Fig Newtons

Ingredients

For the Dough

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup shortening or butter

1 egg

4 cups flour

3 tbsp baking powder

1/2 cup milk

1/4 tsp salt

For the Fig Filling

1 cup boiling water

1 cup chopped figs

1/2 cup sugar

2 tbsp flour

Zest of 1 lemon

Preparation

Make the filling: Combine boiling water, figs, sugar, flour, and lemon zest in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until thickened into a paste. Let cool.

Make the dough: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt, then add to the butter mixture in stages, alternating with the milk, until a soft dough forms.

On a well-floured board, roll dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 1-inch-wide ribbons.

Spoon a line of fig paste down the center of each ribbon. Fold the dough over the filling like a ravioli and press edges to seal. Cut into individual cookies.

Bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes. Cookies will be pale — do not overbake.