MAKES ABOUT 2 DOZEN COOKIES
Katniss would never have eaten these if she had not been the “guest” of the Capitol, because sugar and sweet treats were enormously expensive. It’s a great representation of the difference between the Capitol — which had so much — and the districts — which had so little.
The taste of these cookies is similar to Fig Newtons, but don’t be deceived, the flavor and texture of these homemade treats are far superior to what you can get at the store.
DOUGH:
2 CUPS SHORTENING OR BUTTER
1½ CUPS SUGAR
3 MEDIUM EGGS
1 TABLESPOON VANILLA EXTRACT
¼ TEASPOON SALT
4 CUPS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
4 TEASPOONS BAKING POWDER
1 CUP WHOLE MILK
FILLING:
2 POUNDS DRIED FIGS
½ FRESH ORANGE, WITH PEEL
1 SMALL APPLE
½ CUP WATER (OPTIONAL)
¾ CUP PECANS, CHOPPED
1 TEASPOON GROUND CINNAMON
1 CUP RAISINS
¼ CUP SUGAR
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
DOUGH:
Cream the shortening/butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until fluffy.
Slowly add the eggs, vanilla and salt and continue to mix on medium.
Add the flour and baking powder a little bit at a time then knead the dough until smooth.
Add just enough of the milk to make it workable but not sticky. If it gets sticky, just add a little more flour.
FILLING:
Dice figs, orange and apple, then grind the mix in a food processor or blender.
If it’s too dry, add some of the water, but usually the juice from the orange and apple is sufficient.
Add the nuts, cinnamon, raisins and sugar, and either stir or knead by hand.
Roll dough out into a strip about 6 inches wide. Put the fig mixture down the center (the long way), then wrap the dough over it to seal (think Fig Newton while you’re doing this).
Slice cookies every 2 inches or so and place on an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving a bit of room between them.
Bake 10–15 minutes, or until cookies start to brown.