This recipe will make 24 large newts, you can definitely make them smaller and get at least 48 newts that are a realistic size for a normal human being. Go and get your fig on.
Cut stems off dried figs and place in a large bowl and add 3 cups of water. Set aside for 1-2 hours (depending how old your figs are) to soften.
Drain the excess water from the bowl and place the figs in the food processor. Blend until it becomes a thick paste and is a spreadable consistency. You want to make sure the figs are well blended and broken down. You will need to blend in batches, you don’t want to overcrowd the food processor and it will take more time if you don’t do it in batches.
Take the fig paste and add it to a stock pan with all of the other ingredients under “Fig Jam” on a medium heat for first 5 minutes and stir to combine. Bring down to a low heat and let simmer for 5-10 minutes. Take the mixture off the heat and let it cool off, you don’t want it to be too warm before spreading over the dough.
Dough Time
Place flour in a large bowl with salt and baking powder, stir to combine. In a separate bowl add the butter and both sugar types and beat until creamy. Add each egg one at a time until combined.
Add the milk and vanilla to the wet mixture. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the bowl with the wet ingredients until just combined. At this point, just use your hands to handle the dough so that you don’t over beat the mixture. Pat it into a dough ball and wrap with plastic wrap. Place the wrapped dough in the refrigerator to chill and rest for at least 1 hour.
When the dough is ready pull it out of the refrigerator and place on a clean counter. At this point, preheat the oven to 350F. Roll out the dough into two 9×13″ rectangles and about 1/4″ thick. You can either use a glass baking dish or just freeform on a baking dish, the dough holds it’s shape really well.
Cooking & Assembly Time
Place down one layer of dough and the spread about 2 cups of the fig jam in an even layer. Then place the second layer of dough on top. If you want to get the classic look of a fig newton, you will want to cut each layer into thirds lengthwise and have three separate logs. Leave about a 1/4″-1/2″ of space around the edge so that you can pinch the layers of dough together.
Place the baking dish or baking sheet in the oven and let cook for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool and consume, the taste will spark joy in your heart ;).