Super Yummy Fig Bars (Egg, milk, peanut, & tree nut free)

Fig Bars – Makes 36 Bars

Filling

3c chopped pitted figs

1/4 c sugar

1 1/2 c water

Bars Mixture

1 c packed brown sugar

1 cup softened butter (margarine can be substituted)

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats

1/2 tsp salt*

1/2 tsp baking soda*

*If you use self-rising flour, omit the salt and baking soda

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cook dates, 1/4 c sugar, and 1 1/2 cups of water in a 2 quart pan on low heat, stirring constantly.  Cook 10 mins, and then let cool for 5 minutes.  Grease the bottom and sides of a 13X9 pan with shortening.  Mix brown sugar and butter until well mixed.  Add flour, oats, salt*, and baking soda* until crumbly.  Spread half on the bars mixture on the bottom, cover evenly with fig mixture.

Here is a picture of the mixture spread over the top of the bars mixture, and a side view

  

Use the rest of the bars mixture to cover the filling,  press lightly.  Bake 25-30 minutes.  Cool 5-10 minutes, and cut into 6X6 rows while warm.

ENJOY!