Fig Layer Bars

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter or margarine
1/2 tsp salt
1 3/4 cups rolled oats
1 3/4 cups flour, sifted
1/2 tsp vanilla

Cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add oats, salt, vanilla and flour. Mix until blended.

Filling:
1 cup sugar
1 (8-oz.) package California dried figs, stems removed, cut fine
1/2 cup hot water
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Combine sugar, figs and water. Cook over medium heat 15 minutes, or until creamy, stirring frequently.

Line a well-greased shallow pan (8x12) with half the flour mixture, add the filling, and sprinkle remaining flour mixture on top as evenly as possible.

Bake in 350F. oven 30-35 minutes, or until lightly brown. Cool and serve.

Makes 24 servings
Source: California Fig Advisory Board