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

Tunisian Fig, Raisin, Date, Prune or Apricot-filled Bar Recipe | Exotic Dried Fruit Bars

Region / culture: Tunisia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

This Fig, Raisin, Date, Prune or Apricot-filled Bar recipe is a delicious and versatile treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. The combination of sweet dried fruits and a buttery crust makes for a satisfying and flavorful treat.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in many families, with variations depending on personal preferences and regional influences. The use of dried fruits in baking has been a common practice for centuries, as they provide natural sweetness and a chewy texture to baked goods.

Ingredients

Recipe default

1 cup of sugar
0.5 cup of shortening
1 egg
0.5 cup of milk
3.5 cups of flour
3 tsp of baking powder
0.5 tsp of salt
1 tsp of vanilla

Dried Fruit Filling Recipe

1.5 cups of dried raisins, dates, figs, prunes, apricots, or other dried fruit
0.5 cup of water
additional sweetener to taste, if desired
2 tbsp of lemon juice

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
First, mix the ingredients in the given order, sifting the flour with the baking powder and salt before adding it.
Roll the dough thin, cut it, and put it in greased pans.
Chill the dough for one hour.
While the dough is chilling, make the filling.

Dried fruit filling

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

Variations

Substitute the dried fruits with your favorite combination, such as cranberries, cherries, or blueberries.
Add chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the filling for added crunch.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the bars for a decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out, as this will make it easier to work with and prevent it from sticking.

- Be sure to stir the filling constantly while cooking to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan.

- Experiment with different combinations of dried fruits to create your own unique flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

These bars can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the dough thinly and evenly will ensure that the bars bake evenly and have a nice texture.

- Be sure to seal the edges of the bars well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of shortening for a richer flavor.

- Almond or coconut milk can be used in place of regular milk for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the bars on a platter and dust with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

These bars pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bars in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Fig, Raisin, Date, Prune or Apricot-filled Bar contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Fig, Raisin, Date, Prune or Apricot-filled Bar contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Fig, Raisin, Date, Prune or Apricot-filled Bar contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this Fig, Raisin, Date, Prune or Apricot-filled Bar contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and potassium from the dried fruits.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the flour and may contain nuts if added as a variation.

Summary

This Fig, Raisin, Date, Prune or Apricot-filled Bar is a moderately high-calorie treat that provides a good source of carbohydrates and fats.

Summary

This Fig, Raisin, Date, Prune or Apricot-filled Bar recipe is a delightful and satisfying treat that is perfect for any occasion. With a buttery crust and a sweet dried fruit filling, these bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for a delicious fig, raisin, date, prune, and apricot-filled bar. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Clara, who was known for her amazing baking skills. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods.

Clara smiled and motioned for me to sit down at her cozy kitchen table. She then proceeded to pull out an old, tattered recipe book from her cupboard. As she flipped through the pages, she explained that this particular recipe had been passed down through her family for generations.

I watched in awe as Clara effortlessly measured out the ingredients and mixed them together in a large bowl. She then carefully spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and popped it into the oven. Within minutes, the entire kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried fruits.

As we waited for the bars to bake, Clara regaled me with stories of her childhood and how her grandmother used to make these treats for special occasions. She explained that the combination of figs, raisins, dates, prunes, and apricots was not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and vitamins.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the bars were ready. Clara pulled them out of the oven and sliced them into perfect squares. As she handed me a piece, I could hardly contain my excitement. The first bite was pure bliss – a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, with a hint of warm spices.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make these bars for myself. Clara graciously shared the recipe with me, and I made a mental note to replicate it as soon as I got home.

The next day, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. As I measured out the figs, raisins, dates, prunes, and apricots, I couldn't help but think of Clara and her warm kitchen.

I followed the recipe to a tee, carefully combining the dried fruits with flour, sugar, and spices. I then pressed the mixture into a baking dish and patiently waited for the bars to bake to a perfect golden brown.

When the bars were finally ready, I eagerly sliced them into squares and took a bite. The taste instantly transported me back to Clara's kitchen – a comforting blend of nostalgia and deliciousness.

From that day on, the fig, raisin, date, prune, and apricot-filled bars became a staple in my baking repertoire. I would make them for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just as a special treat for myself.

Every time I took a bite of these bars, I was reminded of Clara and the wonderful memories we shared in her kitchen. I was grateful for her generosity in sharing this treasured recipe with me, and I knew that it would continue to bring joy to my loved ones for years to come.