Fresh Fig Bars

4 cups fresh figs, chopped
1 cup water
1 cup honey
Salt
2 tablespoons grated lemon peel
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup shortening
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
2 cups sifted flour
3 cups quick-cooking oatmeal


Combine figs, water, honey, ¼ teaspoon salt and lemon peel in saucepan and summer 1 to 1-1/2 hours or until dark and thickened, stirring occasionally. Combine 2 tablespoons flour and water and stir into fix mixture. Cook 5 minutes longer, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and walnuts.


Cream shortening with brown sugar until light and fluffy. Combine flour, ½ teaspoon salt and oatmeal and stir into Creamed mixture. Pat half of oatmeal mixture into bottom of a well-greased 9x13-inch pan. Spread fig filling evenly over oatmeal mixture. Sprinkle remaining half of oatmeal mixture on top and press with a fork. Bake at 350ºF 25 to 30 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges. Cut into squares while still warm. Cool completely before removing from pan. Makes 24 bars.