LOW-FAT APPLE PANCAKES

Good at breakfast or brunch and as a dessert or a midnight snack

            2 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
            1 cup pancake mix
            1 cup skim milk
            2 large egg whites
            2 tablespoons applesauce
            ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
            1 teaspoon vanilla extract
            ½ cup sliced almonds

Yields 4 large pancakes.

In a medium bowl, combine the apples with the pancake mix. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, egg whites, applesauce, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla, then stir in the pancake mix.

Coat a griddle with cooking spray, then heat. Pour one-quarter of the batter on the hot griddle. When the batter begins to bubble, sprinkle with some nut, turn, and cook until second side is browned.

Repeat with the remaining batter.