Homemade Fig Bars For The Bike Food

HOMEMADE FIG BARS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place the figs in a small heatproof bowl, cover with hot water and soak for 10 minutes. Remove the figs from the water with a slotted spoon and transfer to a food processor. Add the honey and 1 tablespoon of the soaking liquid. Puree until smooth and spreadable. Set aside.
• In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with a handheld mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until incorporated. Add the flour and mix until a dough forms.
• Place the dough between two pieces of parchment, then roll into two 12-by-4-inch rectangles.
• Spread the fig filling on one half of each rectangle, spreading up the 12-inch side and leaving a 1/4- to 1/2-inch border.
• Fold the dough over on top of itself and gently press the dough together at the edges. Cut each log into 10 cookies and transfer to baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat or parchment. Bake until golden, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.

HOMEMADE FIG BARS FOR THE BIKE

Steps:

• Place the first six ingredients in a food processor and pulse just until the batter comes together.
• Empty the batter onto a sheet of parchment or wax paper sprinkled with oat bran.
• Press the mixture with your hands until it's even in height all the way around.
• Roll into a long log.
• Wrap tightly and let harden overnight in the refrigerator.
• Slice off pieces and put in a baggy for your bike ride, or wherever your adventures take you!

FIG BARS

Steps:

• Using kitchen scissors, trim stems from the figs and discard. Cut the figs in half. In a saucepan combine the figs, water and lemon zest and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer the figs, uncovered, until the water is absorbed and figs are tender, about 25 minutes. In a food processor puree the figs until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg and pulse to combine.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Using an electric mixer cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gently beat in the dry ingredients. With floured hands, gather the dough into a ball, flatten and wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour, or until chilled enough to easily roll out.
• Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the dough into a 13- by 9-inch rectangle. Trim the edges exactly with a sharp knife. Carefully transfer dough to a 13- x-9-9-inch buttered baking dish. Using a spatula spread the cooled fig mixture over the dough in an even layer. On a piece of waxed paper, roll out remaining dough in the same manner as before and place over the filling with the waxed paper side up. Peel the waxed paper from the dough and patch any tears by pressing dough together with your fingertips.
• Bake for 30 minutes, or until edges are golden. Cool on a wire rack before cutting into bars.

FIG BARS I

Steps:

• Soak figs in the water for 1 hour. In a small saucepan, combine the fig mixture with the sugar, and cook over medium heat until thick and stewy. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
• In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Beat in the milk and vanilla until smooth. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt, stir into the creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for one hour.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
• Divide the dough into two pieces and knead each piece about 5 or 6 times. On a well floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness. Line the prepared pan with one piece of the dough. Spread the fig mixture over it, then cover with the other piece of dough.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown. Cool and cut into squares.

FIG BARS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 9-inch square pan with cooking spray. In small bowl, beat 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar and the vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. On low speed, beat in 1 cup flour until soft dough forms. Press dough in bottom of pan. Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until center is set.
• Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, cook filling ingredients over medium-high heat 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until figs are tender and most of liquid is absorbed. Spread over crust.
• In small bowl, mix 1/4 cup flour, the brown sugar and 3 tablespoons butter, using pastry blender or fork, until crumbly. Stir in oats and walnuts. Sprinkle over filling.
• Bake 15 to 20 minutes longer or until edges are bubbly and topping is light golden brown. Cool completely, about 1 hour. For bars, cut into 4 rows by 4 rows.