School is back in session this week in my neighborhood and I've been thinking about classic lunch snacks, particularly a favorite of mine the Fig Newton.
But seeing as the fruit from my farm share is full of plums and not figs. . .
. . . I thought I'd give a Plum Newton a try.
And my oh my. . .
. . . were they good. The addition of chia seeds to the plum jam adds the crunch that is so lovely in the fig variety (I might even try 3 tablespoons next time) and the tart plum flavor highlighted with a bit of lemon and orange zest keeps me reaching for more. . . and maybe just one. . . more.
Chia Plum Newtons
Filling:
- 8 medium plums halved and pitted
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
Dough:
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-1/2 cups flour
- confectioners sugar (for dusting)
Combine the butter and sugar and beat until light and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla. Slowly incorporate the four until just mixed. Wrap in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and allow to chill in the fridge.
While the dough is chilling, place the plums, sugar, and citrus zests in a medium sauce pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce to simmer. Cook for 35-40 min or until there is just a little liquid left. Using an immersion blender (or a standard blender), puree the fruit. Once it is blended, stir in the chia and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350
When the dough is ready pull it out from the fridge and roll it into a shape that is a little bigger than 12'x16". It should be about 1/8" thick. You'll need plenty of flour during this process to make sure the dough doesn't stick. Using a knife, slice the dough into four 4"x12" pieces. Add the filling to the center of the first piece (see image above). Fold over the first side and then the second. Slice into 2" pieces and transfer to a parchment lined baking pan with the seam side down. Continue until all the dough and filling is used.
Bake for 15 min or until the bottoms of the cookies are just golden. Dust them with confectioners sugar and place in an airtight container (this allows them to soften just a bit and take on the fig newton character).
Enjoy!
~ Sarah
*Last time in Recipes: 10 Summer Recipes
