Homemade Fig Newtons

There is a theory out there (meaning I heard it in one place) that combines my two loves: food and movies.  Apparently, those who are powerful in movies are those who eat other people’s food.  They are more likely to survive the movie.

My favorite movie and food combo: I DRINK YOUR MILKSHAKE.  I have never seen There Will be Blood, but I can watch Daniel Day Lewis scream about milkshakes for hours.  #productivity

So what you should do is make up a batch of these homemade fig newtons, serve them to friends and family, then take their fig newtons and eat them.  Then shout  “I EAT YOUR FIG NEWTONS”.

Yes, you want to eat fig newtons and shout about them.  Even if you aren’t necessarily a fan of the store bought packaged “cookies” (let’s get real, I love fig newtons but they really aren’t a cookie).  Instead eat this soft, chewy dough and the sweet fig filling with the occasional crunch of seeds- homemade here really is better.  I loved these little snacks, and the possibilities are endless with different fruit fillings.

I’M KING OF THE WORLD. FREEDOOOOOOM.  I WANT THE TRUTH- YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH. WHAT’S IN THE BOXXXXXXX.

Yeah, now  am just listing shouted movie quotes. I should just stuff a bunch of fig newtons in my mouth and shut up.

HOMEMADE FIG NEWTONS
Adapted from Eat, Live, Run

INGREDIENTS

For the Crust:
3 ounces butter, softened
1/2 cup and 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 1/4 cup wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking power
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1-2 tablespoons cold water

For the Fig Filling:
2 cups figs, stems cut off
2 cups orange juice
1 cup water
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

DIRECTIONS

For the Dough:

In a large bowl, cream together butter and light brown sugar.  Beat in eggs one at a time.  Stir in vanilla.  In a separate bowl whisk all purpose flour, wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt . Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.  Stir in water if needed, starting with 1 tablespoon.  Form dough into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap.  Chill for 2-4 hours.

For the Fig Filling:

Meanwhile, place figs, orange juice, and water in a saucepan.  Let sit for 15 minutes.  Stir in sugar.  Bring to a boil over medium high heat.  Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.  Transfer to a food processer or blender and processes until smooth.  Let cool.

For the Fig Newtons:

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Divide the dough into two pieces.  Roll out dough into a rectangle until dough his about 1/4 inch thick.*  Spread half of the fig filling down the middle, leaving a 3/4-1 inch border.  Fold dough over and pinch closed.  Repeat with remaining dough and fig filling.  Bake for 18-21 minutes, until golden brown.  Cool and cut into bars.

Makes 30-40 fig newtons.

*I found the dough difficult to roll out, so I divided it into 4 pieces and using my finger to push it out.

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