Fig Oaties

Figs are awesome fruits... don't you agree ? Fresh or dried , they are just superb. Indeed it comes under the category of "Super Food". I think it is one of the oldest fruit known to mankind. Romans considered this fruit to be a gift from the fertility god "Bacchus". More over it was the favourite fruit of Cleopatra...:)

For me, the earthy sweet flavour of figs reminds me of soil freshly moistened by rain... the earthy aroma which reminds us that "Mother Earth" is alive and kicking...:)

Don't you love the aroma of the soil..."Manvaasanai".... ?

Nutritional Benefits of figs:

1.Figs are nature's power houses, abundant in fibre and potassium. Even fig leaves have healing powers and helps control blood sugar in diabetic patients.
2.Naturally rich in calcium, prevents bone-thinning and boosts metabolism.
3.Loaded with Tryptophan, it helps induce sleep when eaten regularly.
4.It cures anaemia, bowel disorders, inflammations, skin disorders, reduces BP and bronchial inflammations.

It is renowned for its "Aphrodisiac" properties....:)

Addition of dried figs in smoothies is the best way to have them along with some oats, soy milk and a sprinkle of sesame seeds... it completes the daily intake of calcium, protein, iron and fiber.

I am not a fan of chocolate and these cookies are very mellow, not too sweet or loaded with cream. It is just right for that evening cravings for something to munch...:) Don't  try to shape them into perfect rounds.... a slight imperfection increases the visual drama.

Makes 20-25.
Unsalted butter: 75 gms.
Caster sugar: 180 gms.
Egg [ medium]: 1.
Whole milk: 2 tbsp.
Rolled oats:125 gms.
All purpose flour:155 gms.
White sesame seeds:60 gms.
Dried figs: 130 gms for the cookie mix and 50 gms for garnish.
Cinnamon powder: 1/2 tsp.
Baking soda: 1/2 tsp.
Salt:1/2 tsp.

1.Preheat oven to 180 degrees / gas mark 4.
2.Chop the 130 gms of figs into small pieces. Cream the butter and sugar in a medium-sized bowl using electric beaters until pale and fluffy.
3.Add the egg and milk. Beat until smooth.
4.Stir in the salt, cinnamon and baking soda.
5.Add the oats, chopped figs, sesame seeds and flour. Mix well with a wooden spoon.
6.Shape tablespoons of the dough into balls and place them well apart on two ungreased baking trays.

7.Chop the remaining 50 gms of the figs into small pieces. Flatten the cookie dumplings slightly and top with a couple of pieces of figs.
8.Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.
9.Allow to cool on the trays for a few minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Store in air tight containers for upto 5 days.

Note: If the dough is too dry, add 1-2 tbsp of milk. You can try to alter the amount of flour, oats and fig to get a new combination altogether or try adding some other dried fruit instead of figs.

Enjoy....


Scribbled by Reva.