Spring is giving way to warmer summerish days. The fields that were lush green just a couple of weeks ago have started trading sun-kissed golden yellow color for their vibrant green. In my attempt to hold on to spring just a little longer I set out looking for signs that spring is still here.That there is still a chance for a fresh and new beginning even when it seems it might be too late. A sign that even when it seems everyone is well on their way to their summer, you can still start, fresh, vibrant and hopeful.
My parents have a small garden, yet dad has planted 3 vines, one lemon tree and 3 fig trees in it. One of the vines is a late bloomer, she doesn’t care about the fact that summer is well on its way. She doesn’t care that the other two vines have already started showing flower buds. She is not stressed out by the competition nor worried about what people may think
I love watching her bloom every year, at her own timing, love watching those shiny new and hopeful leaves unfold and reach for the sky.You see, sometimes life feels like a mad race, there is so much competition, so much that you must do, need to do, are expected to do. It is so easy to feel overwhelmed, to feel like it is too late and you’ll never catch up. My little vine friend reminds me, year after year that life is a journey not a race and even if you are a late bloomer, don’t worry about how far ahead people are or what they may think of you. Just unfold your leaves and reach for the sun, give it your all and enjoy it.
Speaking of beginnings, my favorite way to start the day is with a bowl of granola and some milk or yogurt. Homemade granola is really easy to make, tastes a lot better than anything you can buy, it is much cheaper that anything you can buy and the best part is, you can make it your own way. You can add the nuts, dried fruits and spices you like and mix and match till you find the perfect blend.
I like adding puree dates to mine to increase the nutritional value and add another layer of flavor and some sweetness. Apple sauce serves the same purposes, together the apple sauce and the dates help the granola form chunky clumps which I love snaking on.
Home made granola
4 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 and 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
1/2 cup date puree (recipe follows)
1 and 1/4 cup apple sauce (recipe follows)
1/3 cup syrup (I used the syrup left from making the apple sauce)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup flaxseed (optional)
1 cup pistachio (optional)
1 cup almonds (optional)
Shredded coconut (optional)
Mix your dry ingredients, oats, brown sugar, flax seeds(if using), cinnamon, cardamom and nuts (if using).
Mix the apple sauce, date puree, syrup, orange juice and oil.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry and toss to combine
Lightly oil your baking sheet, spread your granola mix and press it slightly if you like your granola to have clumps
Bake in a 180 C oven for an hour to an hour and a half (depending on how crisp you want it to be), take it out every 15 minutes and stir it to insure that all the parts get crispy
Date puree:
1 cup dates pitted and chopped
1 cup boiling water
Pour the water over the dates and stir, set aside and stir every 10 minutes till it cools down then pulse in the blender or food processor.
If you are short on time, pour the water over the dates and allow to cool then place in the refrigerator over night, the water will soften the dates and you won’t even need to pulse them
Apple sauce:
4 apples – peeled, cored and chopped
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or one cinnamon stick
Notes:
- I like my granola really crisp so what I do is bake it for 1 hour (stirring every 15 minutes) and then turn off the oven and leave it in the oven till it cools completely.
- If you decide to use pistachios add them after the first half hour, if you add them from the beginning they will burn.
Kara
/ May 9, 2012I have been making my own granola for a few years now, but I consistently make th same one, a savory granola. I love you’re version. I definitely love a crispy variety so this sounds perfect. Have a great day!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 9, 2012Thank you Kara for stopping by, a savory granola sounds interesting. Looking forward to checking out your recipe.
Mr. Fed Up
/ May 8, 2012Wow, that does looks good and I wish I could make some myself….but I just dont have the time…
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 8, 2012It is really easy to make and doesn’t take too much effort, try it once and you will change your mind
Mr. Fed Up
/ May 8, 2012hmmm, maybe….but I am VERY lazy…and spoiled with some really tasty store-bought-stuff
kankana
/ May 8, 2012Every now and then I often dream of making my own granola bars and then I get lazy. Yours looks seriously more delicious than those store bought ones.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 8, 2012Thank you Kankana, I was exactly the same till I tried for the first time, once you taste home made granola there is no turning back
Kanan
/ May 7, 2012granola looks fantastic. bookmarking it
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 8, 2012Thank you
looking forward to your feedback
Yudith @ Blissfully Delicious
/ May 7, 2012I seriously need to make my own granola, yours look delicious!!!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 8, 2012Thank you Yudith
Aimee@clevermuffin
/ May 6, 2012This looks amazing, and I love the addition of date purée. Once you’ve had homemade granola you really can’t go back
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 8, 2012Thank you Aimee, I totally agree, there is really no going back
Reem | Simply Reem
/ May 6, 2012This is perfect Sawsan…
I love granola but always buy from trader joes… This looks perfect .. I”ll try it soon…
Beautiful!!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 8, 2012Thank you Reem, I look forward to hearing what you think of it
Nami | Just One Cookbook
/ May 4, 2012Oh I see my comment but it says awaiting for moderation. I just came here to see if any new recipe is up.
Will be back! 
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 4, 2012So sorry Nami, I keep the comments in moderation until I reply to each and every one and visit the commenters blog, otherwise I will miss some of the comments
sorry it took so long
Zoka
/ May 4, 2012Your homemade granola and my frozen yogurt are going to be best friends.
Thanks for a great recipe.
Have a nice day Sawsan
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 5, 2012Oh frozen yogurt is a favorite in my house, heading over to check out your recipe
Zoka
/ May 5, 2012O sorry Sawsan, I didn’t publish my frozen yogurt recipe yet. I started blog recently. Today is my three month anniversary.
I will post soon , I promise. 
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 6, 2012Congratulations on you anniversary and I am looking forward to your frozen yogurt recipe
Karen
/ May 4, 2012I love your description of the leaves unfurling. I think I am one of the slow ones in life, never rushing and rather enjoy it. We have one tree in our orchard that is always the last to bloom. While the others are sometimes in danger of frost, the late bloomer is always safe. Your granola must be so delicious. I love the color that the pistachios add.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 5, 2012Thank you for stopping by Karen. I agree, there are some benefits to being a late bloomer for sure. No situation in life is 100% win or 100% lose
Bam's Kitchen
/ May 4, 2012The applesauce and dates. It is true I will never have to buy granola mix again.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 5, 2012flavorsofthesun
/ May 4, 2012I’ve never seen date puree used in granola. How original and interesting. Sounds delicious.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 5, 2012It was actually a result of experimentation. I once came across an oat cookie that asked for date syrup, I didn’t have any so I used date puree and it worked great. I happened to be making granola the next day, had some date puree left and thought why not and it turned out so well I decided to make it part of the recipe
Maureen (@OrgasmicChef)
/ May 4, 2012I usually chop coconut, fresh apple, fresh dates and an apple and top it with a bit of yoghurt for breakfast but I’m going to try the roasting just because you said it’s good.
Eva Taylor
/ May 3, 2012I was certain I left a comment on your lovely blog, and now I don’t see it.
I know what you mean about that one vine or tree that staggers behind the rest, but I LOVE that vine or tree because it not only celebrates the ‘late bloomer’ as you mentioned, but it also prolongs a very short season, Spring. Spring to me is rebirth, a look back and renewal. Shed those ugly winter boots and coats that drag you down (well, I do love my winter coat so I’ll just put it away carefully) and bring on the shorts and T’s that make you want to be outside! We’re ready for mojitos on the back deck and dangling our feet in the lake.
I have never made my own granola, but do love a good old fashioned crunchy variety much like you have put together in this wonderful recipe. My friend Barb (Profiteroles and Ponytails) makes her own granola for her girls and has often exclaimed how easy it is to make. My sister-in-law buys a ridiculously expensive ‘designer’ granola when we go to the cottage in the fall, I think it may be time I made a little house warming gift of home made granola for them this year! I’m going to keep my eyes open all summer for a great vessel to put the home made granola in. Thanks for the inspiration Sawsan.
thedrivencook
/ May 3, 2012This is a really unique recipe! I like all of the flavors. I have made “traditional” granola- which you make look bland, lol!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 3, 2012hehehe I just like my granola to be full of flavors and textures Ashley, had no intention to make regular granola look bland
thedrivencook
/ May 7, 2012That isn’t a bad thing!
zestybeandog
/ May 3, 2012Filing this one!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 3, 2012Thank you Jen
mjskit
/ May 3, 2012You’re right! If I had this in my pantry there would be no reason to ever buy granola! What a delicious granola and so hearty and flavorful!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 3, 2012Thank you Mj
I don’t buy granola any more, the homemade granola tastes so much better. I hope you will give this a go
Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide
/ May 3, 2012Looks amazing!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 3, 2012Thank you so much Greg
Georgia | The Comfort of Cooking
/ May 2, 2012What a colorful and wholesome granola! I love all the variations of nuts you used. Great recipe, Sawsan!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 3, 2012Thank you so much Georgia, I like using diffent nuts, each has its own taste and texture and they make the granola more interesting
Jessica Maher (@kbelleicious)
/ May 2, 2012Okay i am trusting you. I am making this tomorrow as I need to go to the store to get some ingredients. I have been trying granola recipes literally for the past 3 weeks to find the one I love and still haven’t found it! I am counting on you:) No pressure or anything! LOL!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 3, 2012I feel like I am back in school and I have an exam! I hope my recipe passes the test.
Can’t wait to hear what you think of it Jessica
Courtney
/ May 2, 2012Granola has been on my list for months now – I need to do this!! Yours looks like the perfect morning pick me up!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 3, 2012You must try making your own granola Courtney, I just know you’ll love it and the kids will really enjoy it too
Chica Andaluza
/ May 2, 2012Life is indeed a journey and not a race…and I´m not very competitive so am quite happy plodding along and watching the world go by as I travel along various paths! I´m not a huge cereal eater, but when I do, this is the one I go for. Perhaps if I made your truly wonderful granola, I´d be more motivated to get up and go in the morning knowing that a bowl of this delicious granola was waiting for me.Love the dates and apple purée…very luxurious and gorgeous.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 3, 2012You are too kind Tanya, I was talking to a friend yesterday about this very issue. About how stressful it can be to feel like you are always in a race. I think slowing down and watching the world go by gives you a much better view than those in the race get
Cher
/ May 2, 2012I really like the touch of adding the applesauce/ date puree. Great recipe – I am printing this one out!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 3, 2012Thank you Cher, I hope you’ll get a chanec to try this and then I would love to hear your feedback
tanjascookingcorner
/ May 2, 2012Homemade granola, there really is nothing better for breakfast, I love it!! Adding Date puree sounds lovely, I do love dates but have never tried to add it to my breakfast granola. I will have to try it soon. Very soon
Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful photos of vines! Have a wonderful day Sawsan 
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 3, 2012Thank you so much Tanja, I try to add dates to desserts to increase the nutritional value especially for the kids. I think they add more than just nutrition, the rich flavor of dates and their sweetness really take this to the next level.
If you do get to make it, I would love to hear what you think
tanjascookingcorner
/ May 4, 2012I am going to make it for sure, as soon I get some dates! I am sure it tastes great! Will let you know then
manusmenu
/ May 2, 2012Yum! That’s something I have never made at home! Yours sounds delicious with the date puree!
Sawsan… there’s something waiting for you here, dear: http://www.manusmenu.com/brioche-burger-buns
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 3, 2012Thank you so much Manu for the comment and for the award, you are always so sweet and kind
Charles
/ May 2, 2012Hi Sawsan, I love home-made granola. I never buy it these days, not since I discovered how darn easy it is to cook. I never bake any fruit or nuts though – I always add them in at the end because I don’t like them to be tough or chewy. Yours looks marvelous – just bursting with delicious flavours!
Nami | Just One Cookbook
/ May 2, 2012My gosh your homemade granola looks fantastic. I’m loving your healthy snack…looks like I can get quite addicted to this!
Eva Taylor
/ May 2, 2012My friend Barb at Profiteroles and Ponytails makes her own granola! I’ve never made it, which is too bad because it’s one of my flavourite breakfast foods. I’ll bookmark this recipe for sure! Thanks Sawsan.
Just A Smidgen
/ May 2, 2012Haha I meant I never have…
Just A Smidgen
/ May 2, 2012I love this one.. Sometimes even blogging can become a “competition”of sorts.I have and never will have any intention of going down that road.. I am happy being my own little vine..:) I love your granola.. Especially when you add the purée and it can turn into snarky little clumps.. I love that!!
pixilated2
/ May 2, 2012Sawsan, this looks beautiful and delicious too! I haven’t had granola in years! ~ Lynda
bitsandbreadcrumbs
/ May 2, 2012That is some really beautiful looking granola and the taste must just be amazing with all the great ingredients. I particularly love the idea of the date syrup…inspired and I can imagine what kind of rich flavor it adds.
Kristy
/ May 2, 2012I just love making homemade granola. Since we first tried it a few months ago we have yet to have an empty granola canister and have not bought any from the store. This looks delicious – I especially love the almonds in it. And you’re absolutely right – it’s all about the journey.
Caroline
/ May 1, 2012I’ve never made homemade granola, but have tasted it and I agree, soo much better than store-bought! Yours sounds fantastic, and I’m sure is delicious with some yogurt. Love your parents’ garden. I wish I had my own!
thekalechronicles
/ May 1, 2012Your granola is quite beautiful, Sawsan. I have never heard of making it with fruit puree. Lately I have been making mine with walnut oil and maple syrup.
Choc Chip Uru
/ May 1, 2012This granola looks insane – why in the world would you want to buy granola if this is available? Yum!!!
I recently made a cookie pie with rolled oats but if I had this granola, would have loved to give it a whirl
Thanks!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru