Fig Bars

Ingredients

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

Equipment

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

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350F. 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.