Crust:

1/2 cup butter or margarine,softened

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 tsp. vanilla

1 cup flour

Filling: 1/4 cup sugar

              1 cup boiling water 

              1 bag (9 oz.) dried mission figs, chopped (1 cup)

              

Topping:   1/4 cup flour

                   1/4 cup packed brown sugar

                   3 tablespoons cold butter (do not use margarine) 

                   1/4 cup quick-cooking oats

                   1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 inch square pan with cooking spray. In a small bowl, beat 1/2 cup butter (or oleo), 1/4 cup sugar and vanilla with an electic mixer until well blended. On low speed, beat in 1 cup flour until soft dough forms. Press dough into botom of pan. Bake 10-15 minutes until center is set.

Meanwhile, in a 2 quart saucepan, cook filling ingredients over medium-high heat 5-10 minutes stirring frequently, unti figs are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Spread over crust.

In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup flour, the brown sugar and 3 tablespoons of butter, using a pastry blender or fork, until crumbly. Stir in oats and walnuts.  Sprinkle over filling.

Bake 15-20 minutes longer, until edges are bubbly and topping is golden brown. Cool completely, about 1 hour. For bars, cut into 4 rows by 4 rows. Makes 16 bars.

for more information on figs see www.californiafigs.com