Fig Bars

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup butter softened
• 0.3 cup granulated sugar 
• 0.3 teaspoon vanilla 
• 1 cup flour all-purpose
• 0.3 cup granulated sugar 
• 1 cup water boiling
• 9 oz figs dried chopped (1 cup)
• 0.3 cup flour all-purpose
• 0.3 cup brown sugar packed
• 3 tablespoons butter cold (do not use margarine)
• 0.3 cup oats 
• 0.3 cup walnut pieces chopped

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• sauce pan
• oven
• blender
• hand mixer

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 9-inch square pan with cooking spray. In small bowl, beat 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar and the vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. On low speed, beat in 1 cup flour until soft dough forms. Press dough in bottom of pan.
2. Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until center is set.
3. Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, cook filling ingredients over medium-high heat 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until figs are tender and most of liquid is absorbed.
4. Spread over crust.
5. In small bowl, mix 1/4 cup flour, the brown sugar and 3 tablespoons butter, using pastry blender or fork, until crumbly. Stir in oats and walnuts.
6. Sprinkle over filling.
7. Bake 15 to 20 minutes longer or until edges are bubbly and topping is light golden brown. Cool completely, about 1 hour. For bars, cut into 4 rows by 4 rows.