Recipe: Sir Isaac's Fig Bars (homemade fig newtons using whole wheat flour)

SIR ISAAC'S FIG BARS

FOR THE FILLING:
11 large dried figs, cut in half (8 1/4 ounces)
1 tsp grated fresh orange peel
1/2 cup apple juice
FOR THE DOUGH:
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp. whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup sugar
3 tbsp plus 1 tsp. margarine
1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp. water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil or spray with a nonstick cooking spray a baking sheet.

TO PREPARE FILLING:
Combine all filling ingredients in a blender container. Blend until figs are in the form of a thick puree; set aside.

TO PREPARE DOUGH:
Combine both types of flour in a large bowl along with baking powder, and sugar and mix well. Add margarine. With a fork or pastry blender mix until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add water, stirring until ingredients are moistened. With your hands form dough into a ball, adding additional water, 1/2 tsp. at a time, if necessary, until dough holds together.

Place dough on a lightly floured surface, knead a few times and then shape into a log. Roll it into a 12x14-inch rectangle. Cut rectangle lengthwise into 3 long strips.

TO ASSEMBLE:
Divide filling evenly between the strips and spoon down the center of each strip. Fold dough lengthwise and seal edges by crimping with a fork. Place rolls on prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly with your hands.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until bottoms are lightly browned.

Remove to wire rack to cool, and when cool, trim the ends and, using a sharp knife, cut each log into 10 bars - each 1 1/4 inch wide.

Makes 10 servings of 3 cookies each serving

Each serving of 3 cookies provides: 200 calories, 3 g protein, 4 g fat, 39 g carbohydrate, 70 mg sodium, 0 mg cholesterol.

Exchanges: 1 1/4 fruit servings, 1 fat servings, 1 bread serving and 19 additional calories.

Adapted from Oat Cuisine cookbook
SOURCE: Lean and Luscious and Meatless, volume 3 in the series, by Bobbie Hinman and Millie Snyder