What? No PIE?

I love reading the comments left here on my posts. So as I was reviewing the latest ones on my no-added-sugar pie, it was interesting to read the several excellent comments regarding diabetics and carbohydrates. But my Bratty Inner Child Julia (aka BICJ) was reading over my shoulder. And she was a bit miffed when she read this:

"....Hence, even without the added sugars, the carb load is still fairly substantial with carbohydrate-dense ingredients including apples, crushed pineapples, tapioca (a starch) and of course, the crust which is made from some form of flour and is 100% carbohydrates...."

And this:

"I have to echo your prior poster- all carbohydrates effect insulin resistance, flour and fructose from fruit almost as quickly and damning as table sugar.It is becoming clear our "addiction" to the highs of these foods (followed by rapid lows) is fueling a whole host of worrisome health issues - and also it is starting to emerge is involved in inflammation and autoimmune dysfunction...."

And this:

"I was going to point out that it isn't only sugar you have to worry about as a diabetic, but the carbs are a big issue...."

Y'all know about BICJ, don't you? Sigh. When she appears, she's such a stinker. And, as per usual when she surfaces, she started a contentious inner dialogue with me. I'm so glad that nobody was around to hear.......

BICJ: WHAT a bunch of PARTY POOPERS!
Julia: Oh, come on now. Everything in those comments is true.
BICJ: Says WHO?
Julia: Says just about all the reputable sources about a healthy diet. You know, the people who write these kinds of books that I read and re-read....

BICJ: WHO cares?
Julia: I care. I really do wish that I could eat a much healthier diet. It's really hard for me to follow through because of YOU hanging around, though.
BICJ: Pfffffft. If God didn't want us to eat refined sugar and flour he wouldn't have created it!
Julia: Um. Actually, people came up with the refining part. Not so sure that God had anything to do with that....and you're just avoiding responding to the fact that I would definitely be healthier if you weren't around so much.
BICJ: THERE YOU GO AGAIN. You blame me for everything!
Julia: Yes. Yes, I do. Because it's true.
BICJ: Well. You wouldn't have any fun at all if I weren't around. So there.
Julia: Back! Back BICJ! I'll show you! I can have fun without......without.....pie......maybe........dang..........::sigh::.
BICJ: Bwahahahahahahah!

You see my dilemma here, I'm sure. BICJ is so problematic.

I thought a bit about how I could defeat BICJ in this pie argument. It took awhile. And, to be honest, I'm not so sure that she still isn't winning this battle.

But. Here's my logic: I tried to isolate that element of pie that I found the most enjoyable....hm......

I decided that the sweet cinnamon-y apple filling was what I was really craving. And, that even though there was no denying that I love a good pie crust, if I had to choose between the crust and the filling, the filling would win.

Lucky for me, our little apple tree in the backyard was loaded with ripe apples.  I sent John out to pick as many as were ready, then chunked them up and set them in my favorite pot and let them simmer away on the stove.

Mmmmm. I added fresh lemon juice and cinnamon, spooned most of it into freezer containers, and saved a bowlful in the fridge. Yep: still has zillions of carbs, but at least no refined sugars or flour. And I know that our apples are pesticide free.

A few years ago I dropped a big glass bottle of olive oil onto my poor stove. Took a hefty chunk out of the enamel, poor thing. Scarred forever. 

Substituting homemade unsweetened applesauce for pie? It works. For today. Beyond that I'm making no promises.