Try to find a granola recipe for that doesn't use oil or added refined sugars and you may not find one. If you do come across one, please share it with me. Some brands, such as Galaxy use applesauce in place of oil which cuts down the fat but many use honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, and granulated sugar to add sweetness. In my version of granola I've swapped out all the refine sugars and used a date puree to bind the grains together. Granola should be a toasted well, as toasting the grains and seeds gives granola the flavor it deserves. I love dried fruit and seeds. Both are plentiful in this recipe. You can also bake this granola in small steps if you don't have enough time to bake it three times in one setting. The amount is sufficient to keep for yourself for the week and give a few servings away to friends.

I'm bringing copies of this recipe with samples to a healthy living party I'm attending at a friend's home this coming weekend. Each of the attendees are to bring a recipe using unrefined sugars, organic ingredients, and recipes. If you like it, let me know!

Granola with Date Puree
Special equipment: blender

3 3/4 cup organic, six grain rolled flakes
1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1/4 tsp sea salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon

17 organic dried pitted dates
water to cover dates in saucepan
1 1/2 tsp organic vanilla extract

1/4 cup organic raisins, chopped (or use currants)
4 dried plums, finely chopped
1/2 generous cup roughly chopped unsulphured organic dried black mission figs

Toast the rolled flakes in a 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes for even baking. Remove the flakes from the oven to cool. Reduce temperature to 325 degrees.

While the flakes are baking, place the dates in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a simmer and soak for about 10 minutes or longer until the dates are softened. If the water evaporates that's ok, but don't let the pan become dry. Place the dates and water together in a blender to make a puree. Add more water if necessary to make a consistency like applesauce/applebutter. It needs to be thick. You may need to add a 1/4 cup of water, if necessary. Add vanilla extract to the date mixture and blend to combine. Set to the side.

In a medium to large bowl, toss warm flakes with cinnamon, salt, and seeds. Spread the mixture back into the baking sheet and bake for approximately 30 minutes. Stir every 10 to ensure even baking. With 15 minutes of baking time remaining, fold in the date puree, and chopped raisins, plums, and figs. Clumps of granola will form as you fold in the date puree. Finish baking. Stir frequently for even baking.

Set aside to cool completely before placing granola into an air tight container.