Oatmeal Fig Bars

1 cup chopped dried figs, stems removed (8 ounces)
½ cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1½ cups rolled oats (I used quick oats)
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup packed brown sugar
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup butter, melted (I used light butter)
1 egg white
Cooking spray

In a small sauce pan, put figs, water, lemon juice and zest, and bring to a boil. Simmer until mixture starts to thicken (about 3 minutes). Let cool for about 5 minutes.
Put filling in food processor and process until smooth. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 8-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together oats, flour, sugar, baking soda and salt.
Add butter and egg white to oat mixture and stir until combined.
Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking pan. [Note: I used waxed paper to press and spread the mixture into the pan]. Next, carefully spread with fig mixture. Last, drop pieces of remaining oat mixture over the fig mixture so it appears crumbly and then gently pat it down [Note: I used waxed paper for this step].
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire rack.

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