There is no dessert my dad loves more than fig squares. I never got it as a kid, nor do I even still… You could put a hot fudge sunday in front of the man, but he’d still prefer a fig square if it were offered. In this case, the apple sure does fall far from the tree, because I think figs are pretty disgusting (they look like creepy sea creatures)… But because I love him, I figured out a pretty awesome recipe that you could fill with whatever fruit you want.

Crust:
1 c. flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 c. butter, cold and cut into chunks
1 egg yolk, beaten
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 cup cold water

Filling:
1 15oz can of figs
2 tbs. sugar
1/4 c. raisins

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Drain can of figs, and save a couple tablespoons of liquid. In a blender or food processor, puree figs and raisins. The consistency should be a little thinner than jelly, and if it isn’t add a tablespoon or two of liquid from can. Set fig puree aside. In another bowl, combine flour, salt and baking powder. Cut butter into mixture until the butter pieces are the size of peas. Add in yolk, lemon juice and water and knead with hands until shaggy, then place on a floured countertop. Knead until well combined.

Butter a 9×9 baking dish. Cut dough in half, then roll out each (try to make them into a square about the same size of your dish). Place one piece on bottom of dish, making sure to press down hard especially in the corners. Top with fig puree, then add second piece of dough on top. Prick with a fork in the center, then bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool, then cut into squares!

Note for making fantastic fig squares: I’ll admit I was weery, but I actually enjoyed these! Make sure you spread out the filling evenly and wait for them to cool completely before cutting them. Overall, a very easy recipe and I think that it would be equally (if not more) delicious with apple or strawberry filling! GOOD LUCK, DAD!