Preheat griddle to 300. Scramble egg and mix in apple sauce. Sift and add dry ingredients. Pour buttermilk on top and mix by hand until lumps are mostly mixed. Spray a light coat of non-stick spray on griddle. Measure 1/3 cup of batter. If desired, add a few chocolate chips to each one, dabbing them into the batter to cover. Cook until light brown. Flip carefully. Continue to cook until the middle is done (do not overcook).