Fig Bars

Soak figs in water for 1 hour. Transfer mixture to a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until thick and stew-like, 30 minutes or longer. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, cream sugar and butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer. Beat in milk and vanilla until smooth. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl; stir into creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

Divide dough into two pieces; knead each piece five or six times. On a well-floured surface, roll each piece out to a 9×13-inch rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Line the prepared pan with one piece of dough, spread with fig mixture, then cover with remaining dough.

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool, then cut into 20 squares.