Fig Newton Bars

Healthier than store-bought, without all the preservatives!

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup shortening
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1⁄2 cups sugar
• 3  cups all-purpose flour
• 1  egg, well beaten
• 3  teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄2 cup milk
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1  cup fig, finely chopped

Directions

1. Cream the shortening and 1 cup sugar; add the egg and beat until light and fluffy.
2. Mix the milk with the vanilla.
3. Sift salt, flour and baking powder together; add alternately with milk to creamed mixture.
4. Blend well.
5. Roll out to 1/8 inch thickness on lightly floured board (rectangle shape).
6. Put figs in saucepan with remaining sugar and 1 cup boiling water.
7. Boil 5 minutes; cool.
8. Spread the cooked mixture over half the dough; fold over the other half of the dough to cover.
9. Cut into rectangular bars.
10. Bake in 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes.