Directions

1. 1

   Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before beginning.

2. 2

   Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch rectangular baking pan with butter or cooking spray.

3. 3

   In a medium bowl, combine the chopped dried figs, chopped walnuts, sugar, orange juice, and hot water. Stir well to combine and let the mixture sit while you prepare the dough.

4. 4

   In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and packed brown sugar until light and creamy, about 2 minutes.

5. 5

   Add the egg to the butter mixture and beat until fully incorporated and smooth.

6. 6

   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda.

7. 7

   Add the flour mixture to the egg and butter mixture, stirring until just combined.

8. 8

   Fold in the rolled oats, stirring until a soft, uniform dough forms.

9. 9

   Measure and set aside 1 cup of the dough to use as the topping.

10. 10

    Using floured fingertips, press and spread the remaining dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a thin, even layer.

11. 11

    Spread the fig and walnut filling evenly over the dough base.

12. 12

    Crumble the reserved dough into small pieces and scatter evenly over the fig filling. Leave some of the filling visible between the crumbles.

13. 13

    Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

14. 14

    Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the baking pan at room temperature, about 1 hour.

15. 15

    Cut the cooled bars into 24 pieces, approximately 2½ × 2 inches each. Serve or store in an airtight container.