Monday Morning in the Kitchen: Fresh Fig Bar Delight

I found fresh figs in last week's produce box.  (I subscribe to a produce delivery service that supports organic farmers in my state.  It's always exciting to see what is in each box.)  The figs prompted this recipe.

Fresh Fig Bar Delight

In small saucepan, combine 1 pint fresh figs, 1 cup water, 1-1/2 teaspoon orange zest, and 1 cinnamon stick.  Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 to 45 minutes.  Remove cinnamon stick.  Add 2 tablespoons maple syrup.  Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture until the consistency is even. Put the fig mixture in the fridge to cool.

Meanwhile, combine 2 cups whole-wheat flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.  In another bowl, combine 1/3 cup coconut oil, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 2 eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla, 2 tablespoons milk, and 2 tablespoons applesauce.  Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix well.  Refrigerate until dough is firm.  

Preheat oven to 350°.  Roll out dough into a rectangle.  Add some of the fig mixture to half of the rectangle, then fold rest of rectangle over the top of the fig mixture.  Bake for 15 minutes.  Let cool slightly, then cut into squares. 

Put square into serving dish, and top with more fig mixture and a spoonful of whipped cream. 

Thanks for the many varieties of fruits and vegetables.