FIG BARS

FIG BARS

The flavor may remind you of a Fig Newton without the outer cookie layer.

1 1/2 cups chopped dried figs
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup flaked unsweetened coconut
1/2 cup reduced-calorie margarine
1/3 cup "measures-like-sugar" calorie-free sweetener
1 3/4 cups quick-cooking oats, toasted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cooking spray

Combine figs and flour in a medium bowl; toss lightly to coat.
Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add fig mixture, coconut, margarine, and sweetener to pan, stirring well.
Cook, uncovered, over medium heat 5 to 7 minutes or until mixture is thickened, stirring often. Add oats and vanilla, stirring until oats are moistened.
Press mixture into bottom of a 9-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Cover and chill thoroughly. Cut into bars.

Microwave Instructions: Place 1/2 cup water in a 1-cup liquid measure. Microwave at HIGH 2 to 3 minutes or until water boils; pour water over fig mixture. Add coconut, margarine, and sweetener to fig mixture, stirring well. Microwave, uncovered, at HIGH 2 to 3 minutes or until mixture is thickened, stirring after every minute. Add oats and vanilla, stirring until oats are moistened. Proceed with recipe as directed.

Yield: 2 dozen bars (serving size: 1 bar)