Fig Bars

Ingredients
Filling
 * 2 cups dried figs, chopped
 * 1 1/2 cups water
 * 1/2 cup sugar

Dough
 * 1 cup shortening
 * 1 cup brown sugar
 * 2 eggs
 * 3 cups flour
 * 1 tsp cream of tartar
 * 3/4 tsp salt
 * 1 tsp vanilla
 * 1/2 tsp baking soda
 * 1 tbsp hot water

Steps
Wash and drain figs. Combine with water and sugar in a saucepan and cook until thickened. Let cool. Cream shortening and brown sugar together. Add 2 beaten eggs, heat until fluffy and let cool. Sift flour, cream of tartar and salt together. Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Combine baking soda mixture, creamed mixture and half of dry mixture. Mix well. Mix in remaining dry ingredients and chill dough. Roll out dough and cut into strips 3" wide. Place mound of fig mixture in center of each strip and fold dough over filling from each side. Cut each strip in half, making 1 1/2" strips. Place on greased cookie sheets, folded dough side down, and bake at 450° until done.