California sunshine fig bars

Madeleine Mesple
Mesple's Fresh and Dried Fruits, Fresno

Madeleine Mesple calls these California Sunshine Fig Bars because she says that they bring a little sunshine into one's life—especially on those cold and foggy days of winter in our Central Valley.

Ingredients

1/2 cup margarine
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup ground flax seeds or quick oats
1 cup chopped dried California figs
14 oz. sweeten condensed milk (nonfat)
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut (flaked or shredded)
1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

Place margarine in a 9-by-13-inch baking pan and melt in an oven preheated to 350 degrees. Mix in cracker crumbs, wheat germ, ground flax seeds and figs; press into an even layer. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over all mixture. Sprinkle with coconut and walnuts, pressing down lightly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until toasty brown. Cool. Cut into small squares and serve. Great with fresh fruit and /or ice cream.

Serves 12