RAW FIG AND OAT BARS (TASTES LIKE A FIG NEWTON)!

Yale loves figs.  I thought I would make these fig bars as a super serious snack, for a super serious girl. I can see her now rolling her eyes,(when she reads this), but I know when she bites into one of these little squares of healthy goodness she will love me forever.  These are for you Yale. xo

This recipe was inspired from the food blog This Rawsome Vegan Life.

Makes 16 small squares.

Ingredients:
For the crust:

• 2 cups oat flour, (see instructions below on how to make your own oat flour)
• 1 1/2 cups raisins
• 6 dates, pitted
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

For the filling:

• 1 1/2 cups dried figs, soaked in water for 2-4 hours ( remember to keep some of the water!)
• 1 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the topping:

• 1 1/2 cups pecans
• 1/4 cup or a bit less of the filling

Directions:

1. To make the crust process the oats in your food processor or blender until you get the consistancy of flour. (see instructions).
2. Add the raisins, dates and cinnamon.  Process again until the mixture starts to gather around the blade.  If this does not happen you may need to add a few more dates or raisins.
3. Press the crust into a 8×8 or 9×9 pyrex lined with parchment paper.
4. For the filling blend the figs, maple syrup, vanilla and salt in the food processor.  While the food processor is running add a bit of the liquid from the soaked figs to make the filling smooth enough to spread on the crust layer.
5. Before spreading on the curst layer take out about a 1/4 cup of the filling and set aside.
6. Spread the remaining filling on the crust.
7. For the topping, add the pecans to the food processor with the rest of the fig mixture and pulse until the pecans are roughly chopped. Sprinkle the topping onto the fig filling and press down.
8. Cut into squares.
9. Store in the fridge. (These freeze really well).

How to Make Your Own Oat Flour

Ingredients:

• rolled oats

Directions:

1. Place rolled oats in a blender or food processor.
2. Pulse on high until the oatmeal becomes the consistency of flour, approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute.
3. Repeat until you have as much flour as you need.