1 c. butter
3 eggs
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
1 tsp. vanilla
4 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla and lemon juice and beat well. Sift dry ingredients together and blend into creamed mixture. Chill while making:

FIG FILLING:

1 1/2 c. ground fresh figs or dried figs
1 c. water
3/4 c. sugar
3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1/4 c. walnuts, chopped (optional)
2 tbsp. orange juice (optional)

Boil figs in water for 5 minutes. Blend sugar and 3 tablespoons flour and stir into figs. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently until thick. Add walnuts and orange juice if desired. Cool.

TO MAKE BARS: Divide chilled dough in half. On a well floured board, roll each half to 12 x 18 inches. Cut into 4 (3 inch) strips. Using a spatula, fold dough over filling. Cut strips in half and place seam side down, about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes. Cut into 2 inch bars. Makes about 60 bars.