Fig, Raisin, Date, Prune or Apricot-filled Bar

Ingredients

 * 1 cup sugar
 * ½ cup shortening
 * 1 egg
 * ½ cup milk
 * 3½ cups flour
 * 3 teaspoons baking powder
 * ½ teaspoon salt
 * 1 teaspoon vanilla

Dried fruit filling

 * 1½ cups dried raisins, dates, figs, prune, apricots, or other dried fruit
 * ½ cup water
 * additional sweetener to taste, if desired
 * 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

 * 1) Preheat oven to 400°F.
 * 2) First mix ingredients in order given, sifting the flour with the baking powder and salt before adding it.
 * 3) Roll thin, cut, and put in greased pans.
 * 4) Chill for one hour.
 * 5) While dough is chilling, make the filling.

Dried fruit filling

 * 1) Cook slowly on the stovetop, stirring constantly, until thickened.
 * 2) Allow to cool.
 * 3) After dough is chilled and filling is cooled, roll dough out on a piece of parchment or silicone baking sheet.
 * 4) Cut the dough into long strips about 3 inches wide using a dull knife.
 * 5) Place the filling in a strip along the center lengthwise, then fold both sides over to cover the filling.
 * 6) Roll the log over so that the seam side is down.
 * 7) Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until just golden around the edges.
 * 8) Let cool, then cut into 1 inch bars.