Applesauce Pie in Oatmeal Crust

I can't believe how easy this was to make or how yummy the finished product was. The original recipe (Honey Apple Pie in Oatmeal Crust) is from Grandma's Wartime Kitchen. My version omits the honey and uses maple syrup in its place. It also uses applesauce rather than sliced apples, because that's what I have on hand. Finally my version uses canola oil in place of shortening because hydrogentated oils are so bad for you.

Applesauce Pie in Oatmeal Crust

In a small bowl combine:
3/4 cup flour
2 Tbs brown sugar (I used vanilla sugar which eliminates the need for vanilla extract later in the recipe.)
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt (I suspect this could be omitted without anyone noticing.)

Stir in the following until mixture is course crumbs (use a pastry cutter or a fork):
1/4 cup canola oil
2 Tbs water
1 tsp vanilla extract

Fold in:
3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats

Press mixture into bottom and sides of a greased 9" pie plate. Bake in 350 degree oven for 18-20 minutes or until light brown.

While the crust is baking, combine the following in a small saucepan over medium heat:
1 quart of unsweetened applesauce
2 Tbs maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cloves

In a measuring cup whisk together:
1/4 cup of water
4 tsp flour

Gradually whisk this mixture into the applesauce mixture. Cook until applesauce begins to thicken and the mixture loses the pasty, flour taste. Pour into cooked pie shell and set aside to cool. Serve room temperature or cold from fridge, either way its delicious.