Homemade Fig Bars

Description
Fruit and Vegetable Recipes I by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe
 * Serves: 30

Filling

 * 1 cup sugar
 * 8 oz dried figs finely chopped
 * ½ cup nuts finely chopped (optional)
 * ½ cup water

Crumb crust and topping

 * 1 cup brown sugar
 * ½ cup margarine or butter
 * ½ teaspoon salt
 * ½ teaspoon vanilla
 * 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, divided
 * 1¾ cups rolled oats

Filling

 * 1) Combine sugar, dried figs, nuts and water in a medium saucepan.
 * 2) Heat to boiling; reduce heat and summer 10 minutes or until thickened, stirring frequently.
 * 3) Set aside to cool.

Crumb crust and topping

 * 1) Cream sugar and margarine together until light and fluffy.
 * 2) Add salt and vanilla; mix until blended.
 * 3) Stir in 1¾ cups flour and oats until well mixed and crumbly.
 * 4) Spread and pat two-thirds flour mixture evenly into ungreased 9x13x2-inch pan.

Putting it All Together

 * 1) Spread filling evenly on top.
 * 2) Add ½ cup flour to remaining flour mixture; crumble and spread all over.
 * 3) Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, or until lightly brown.
 * 4) Allow to cool in pan; cut into bars.