I think I might just have the pickiest eater in the world. And not only is she picky, but what she will actually deign to eat changes day to day. One day, she will gobble something up and you breath a sigh of relief, thinking you’ve found a food she actually likes. The very next day, she won’t touch it. She picks up a bit, turns it over in her hands and daintily tosses it over the side of her high chair. She looks at you reproachfully, letting you know in her wordless way that she is hurt you would stoop so low to even offer her such a repulsive food. It is infuriating, to say the least. With my older two, I could count on certain foods being acceptable every time, but this one, she likes to keep me on my toes.
Since she seemed to do well with Fig Newtons, I thought I would try my hand at a homemade, healthier (and tastier) version. I myself am not a Fig Newton fan and never have been. I find the crust really bland and uninteresting, and if I am going to have a cookie, I am going to have a cookie with a capital C, preferably chocolate and very gooey. So I figured there was considerable room for improvement. I went with berry filling because I didn’t actually have any figs and I thought that might be more palateable to all of my kids. I found a good crust recipe on Beantown Baker, and made a few changes to up the health factor, including reducing the sugar, using whole wheat flour and adding some flax seed meal. With a picky eater, you have to sneak it in where you can.
In that vein, let me tell you about the giveaway now. This is specifically for the parents of small children, picky eaters or not. I was contacted recently by Kidfresh, a company devoted to making healthy, convenient frozen meals for small children. I don’t normally buy pre-packaged meals, but given the amount of grey hair I’ve grown from trying to find foods this little one likes, I thought it was worth a shot. Let me rephrase that…I thought it was worth a shot AFTER reading up about their products, that they are all natural, in BPA-free and environmentally friendly packaging, and nutritionally balanced. So I picked up two of the varieties that they carry in my local grocery store. One was a hit with the baby (the mac and cheese), the other was not (pasta with meatballs). But don’t take that to mean it wasn’t good, she is just THAT picky. It smelled wonderful and the other two kids hovered around and ate up the leftovers.
MY LATEST VIDEOS
And now Kidfresh would like to present a few of my readers with some coupons to try their products for free. Whether or not you have a picky eater, it’s always helpful to have a few healthy, convenient meals on hand. Kidfresh also has an amazing contest going on to win a $100 gift certificate to Patagonia by uploading a picture of your little one enjoying the outdoors this winter. Check out the details on the Kidfresh Facebook Page
Coupon Giveaway Rules:
1. To enter, just leave me a comment telling me about your picky (or good) eater and what foods you know that they will eat every single time. Please, people, I am looking for suggestions here!
2. Open only to US addresses only. Not because I don’t love my fellow Canadians but because they have only just expanded their reach outside of New York State into the rest of the US (mostly the Northeast so far). I am pretty sure the products are not available in the Great White North. If you want to double check that it’s available in your area, click HERE.
3. Contest will run until 11:59pm, Sunday February 13th.
4. Please leave me a way to contact you, I can’t send you anything if you don’t!
The Results: As for my homemade newton experiment? I cannot lie to you, she won’t really eat them. I don’t consider them a failure at all, I think they are really very good and my older kids like them a lot. The crust is much tastier than a storebought newton, it is almost a bit like pastry crust. And with the reduced sugar and the whole grains and flax, these are a far healthier version of the famous fig cookie. They aren’t difficult at all to make, so if you have kids who aren’t as picky as my little one, give these a shot. Maggie wouldn’t agree, but I think they are worth it!
Homemade Berry Newtons
Dough:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 egg whites
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp water
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup flax
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Filling:
1 cup blueberries
1 cup strawberries, chopped
2 tbsp sugar
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp water
For the dough, in a large bowl beat the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until thoroughly combined. Add egg whites, vanilla and water and beat until well mixed, scraping down beaters and bowl as needed.
Add the flour, flax and cinnamon and beat until dough comes together. Form dough into a rough rectangle and wrap tightly in plastic. Chill for at least 2 hours.
For the filling, combine blueberries, strawberries and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, and then lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Mash berries with the back of a fork.
In a small bowl, stir cornstarch and water together. Add half to hot berry mixture and stir until the thickness of jam. If necessary, add remaining cornstarch mixture until appropriate thickness is achieved.
To assemble cookies, preheat oven to 350F and line a large baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
On a well-floured surface, roll out dough to a 12 by 16 inch rectangle and cut into four equal 4 by 12 inch strips. Spoon filling down the middle of each strip. Fold the edges over the filling and pinch to seal.
Using a sharp knife, cut off ends of logs and discard. Cut logs into 10 equal pieces and place cookies seam-side down on prepared baking sheet. Bake 12-15 minutes or until light golden brown.
Let cool on pan.
Makes about 40 cookies.
Jill Colonna says
Congratulations on your berry newtons! Here's to fig newtons and your picky eater to motivate you on these wonderful dreamy and healthy delights. YUM.
Three-Cookies says
They have something similar in Australia and New Zealand, and probably elsewhere called spicy fruit roll. Its delicious and I forgot about it until I saw your post. Memories came flying back…
Pretend Chef says
You are not alone in that struggle. What you described sounds just like my itty bitty. He's even being to deconstruct my meals I make in order to see what I've concealed. It can be frustrating. My last ditch effort to get him to eat is a homemade "Happy Meal". The fries are healthier and you don't have to guess the mystery meat in the nuggets. I would love to try out their products!
Charlie @ SweetSaltySpicy says
I love fig newtons! But I have to say that yours do looks better ;).
Angela@RecipesFromMyMom says
We're big Newton lovers in our house but sometimes I just can't get over how expensive they are so your recipe is great. Good luck with your picky eater. I do think that eventually the youngest likes to eat whatever they see the older ones eating.
Lizzy says
I don't think I've tasted a Fig Newton since I was around 6 years old! I do think I'd try one of yours, though 🙂
Three-Cookies says
I forgot to comment on the name of your blog, it reminds me of ADIDAS. ADIDAS stands for All Day I Dream About Sports (or sex in the adult version).
Stephanie says
You've reminded me how much I LOVE fig newtons! I need to make this soon!!
Kita says
Fig newtons are one of the few snacks I can eat right from the box. Your berry newtons look awesome!
My picky eater isnt a child but rather a full grown man who wont touch onions, carrots, celery, or peppers. Try making him a salad? Oh and it can only be spinach – no other type of green. I often cheat and mince things up super tiny when they are in things so its too hard for him to bother to pick out. >.> I know its mean but really? No onions or peppers?
Belinda @zomppa says
She's a gourmand in the making! Listen, I'll take these newtons if she doesn't want them tomorrow. =)
Lauren at KeepItSweet says
I don't have a picky eater (or any kids at all), but I actually love fig newtons! For some reason I find them extremely addicting.
thecoffeebreak says
Love your cookies! Thank you for letting me know about this wonderful giveaway, but unfortunately I don't live in US. Good luck to everyone else!
Three-Cookies says
A prize sounds like a brilliant idea:) I always support such great thoughts and ideas:)
Jennypenny says
My son does the exact same thing as your daughter. My older son was not like that all. He would eat most anything you put in front of him, so my little guy's pickiness is so frustrating! I wish I had suggestions, but the only thing he always eats is bananas. The kid would probably eat several bananas a day if I let him.
I did make some Zucchini Carrot muffins from the King Arthur Flour website. I made them a little healthier, even though it's a pretty healthy recipe to begin with. My son loved them at first, and will now eat them sometimes 🙂 I make a double batch and freeze them.
jnystph9 at gmail
Julia says
My mom always had Fig Newtons for us kids. These look delicious!
Brandie@thecountrycook says
Your Fig Newtons look really tasty!! I understand picky eaters oh so well. Unfortunately my husband is an extremely picky eater and now our son is following in his path. Ugggh. So frustrating!
Jeanine says
Those berry newtons look great! I hear ya on the picky eaters thing…my kids are pretty good, but what was proclaimed "DELICIOUS" one time is barely consumable the next. Ha!
LIndsey @ Gingerbread Bagels says
These look sooo good!! What a great idea to make homemade ones. 🙂
Fresh and Foodie says
OK, these are awesome. My husband loves Fig Newtons and would probably go crazy if I made them from scratch. Sounds like a good experiment. 🙂
Plateful says
OMG, my youngest is such a picky eater- I totally understand what you are saying. Your berry newtons looks lovely!
Laurie Alves says
Love Love Love the Newtons! My son was picky also to the umph degree! HE ended up being a wonderful Foodie so I guess I shouldn't complain. He challenged me to rise to his level! LOL.. Really love the newtons.. Think I'll send my son some! He'd love em too!
briarrose says
Mmmm…a picky eater that's unpredictable…now that is a heck of a challenge. 🙂
These look so yummy and I like the berry filling instead of the usual fig.
BakingWithoutaBox says
Love those Newtons. I'm the picky eater in our family. And with time crunches and changing tastes I totally get the value of prepackages meals. (but don't enter me in the contest. Leave that to some worthy mommy)
Annie says
I am so happy that I don't have a picky eater. Now that he is a teenager he eats just about everything that isn't nailed down! You newtons look delicious and I like the berry idea even better than the figs.
Elle says
Oh wow, those look amazing! I love Fig Newton's, but yeah, they're loaded with bad stuff-I need to try these!
Nice giveaway, but you don't need to count my comment as an entry—my youngest is 7, so no real small ones anymore. 😉
Kate @ Diethood.com says
Newtons were my favorite when I was younger…something about that filling…YUM!
The picky eater is my little one … if she could, she would only eat bread for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks…
Amelia@SavoryandSweet says
I have a picky eater at home and it is such a struggle to get him to eat!! He may like these berry newtons…I know I would.:)
Sandra says
You made them better than those from the store. I have one picky eater, just like your girl. One day he like it the other day he doesn't. You did amazing job as always! Great photos!!!
Cookin' Canuck says
These look so good – so much better than the chalky version you buy at the store.
The Mom Chef says
We're big fig newton fans here, though I prefer the raspberry newtons to fig. These are so right up my alley. I hope the fussy eating evolves into a love for all kinds of foods in the future!
Emily says
We love fig newtons, especially the strawberry variety. However, yours look great and I really like the idea of adding flax. Thanks for posting!
Kristen says
Those newtons look like they were professionally made. Kudos to you!!
My kids all like broccoli and cauliflower. It's one veggie I know they will always eat (besides the usual green beans, corn, carrots and salad).
Katrina says
I stopped by my computer for a few minutes and I'm glad I did! These look wonderful!
MegSmith says
I am going to be making these this summer! I love store bought fig newtons but these sound SO much better. Flax and whole wheat flour=perfection. I love being able to control what goes into my treats 🙂
Sommer J says
They look adorably fabulous! I have three picky eater picky in their own ways. Sigh..
Will have to try these..I do like fig newtons, buy I guarantee the homemade version is waaaay better.
Brandi {1 of 2} says
I just emailed you my address for the Hefty coupon. Thanks again! =)
Anonymous says
My husband is the pickiest eater I know; my trick is to take less healthy foods (chicken sausage, e.g.) and combine them with healthier foods (such as in stuffed peppers). Also, I always use whole grains in all baking.
Amanda says
Lilah will (almost) always eat edamame beans, frozen peas or frozen corn, and tofu dessert (any flavour). Oh, and yogurt. It varies day by day, but these ones can usually be counted on to fill her up.
Too bad I'm not elligible for the frozen meals – they look like they'd be good to have on hand.
aipi says
Just gorgeous, what a lovely treat.
US Masala
Tiffany says
I actually really like fig newtons 😀 … so I am sure I would LOVE your healthier, berry filled version!
Kim - Liv Life says
I am really eager to give these cookies a try! They are kind of like muffins, I love adding whole grains and fruits all in one vehicle.
Talk about picky eaters… I may have cornered the market on that one!! My son, when he was little ate only 5 foods, and only white/yellow foods. Pasta, bread, banana, peanut butter and chicken. He ate lots and lots of muffins as they were classified into the bread category.
Now… I have two Maltese dogs. They are even picker than my son was!! Very similar to your daughter, they will eat an entire bowl of a certain food one day (frequently freshly grilled mahi or chicken – yes… spoiled!) and the next day will look at me disdainfully saying "Do you really expect us to eat this two days in a row?" They will toss their heads and walk sulkily away.
Good luck with the wee-one!!!
Steph says
I think I'm just going to leave this picture up on my screen all day. I bet the se taste amazing!! Bookmarking this recipe for sure!
Cake Duchess says
Hi Carolyn-Not my fave cookie either…but I think yours would be a favorite:)They look so good!Love the filling:)
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says
Awesome! I love this!
Amy Bakes Everything says
Bless your heart. Your picky eater sounds even worse than mine – at least mine is consistent! Those berry newtons look so awesome!
Lynn @ I'll Have What She's Having says
I never liked fig newtons, although I can't remember why. These look gorgeous though, I love the berry filling.
Shelby says
I love these cookies!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
These look fabulous, and I like that they are berry filled.
miss says
Your cookies look really good! I was a picky eater growing up, I must have drove my mother crazy. I also have a picky eater. I grew out of it, eventually (at about 20!) I just try to make sure that he has something to eat, even if there's no variety!
Ang says
Okay Carolyn, so my daughter is five and she is not all that picky. But her favorite go-to and she would probably eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner is……..Bean burritos with cheddar cheese. Yup! Tortilla, black refried beans and cheddar cheese. Oh and the Newtons, holy smokes they look incredible.
A SPICY PERSPECTIVE says
Oh honey, your Newton's look amazing–way better than store-bought!
My kiddos aren't picky at all. In fact they pride themselves on all the things they'll eat. They often ask to go to a sushi restaurant and order spicy squid salad. Of course, I beam with pride when this happens! 😉
megan @ whatmegansmaking says
homemade fig newtons?? Who even knew that was possible? These look great!
Cheryl and Adam @ pictureperfectmeals.com says
So much better than ANYTHING you can buy in the store. Healthy and yummy. Thanks!
Elisabeth says
Carolyn-I do love fig newton's it's a childhood favorite of mine, that's been around forever, and would love the berry newton you made homemade, even better.
What a perfect and beautiful job you did on them. Absolutely yummy!
Love the photos, as well!
ravienomnoms says
Those look SO amazing! Holy cow, I just want to reach into the screen and take one out!
Danielle says
I was a super picky eater as a child but somehow I've dodged the bullet with my son. He'll eat just about anything we put in front of him. We've been careful to never say things like "Oh you wouldn't like this" or "He doesn't eat such and such." We also have never made him anything different than what we eat. I've found that he eats even more when he helps me prepare dinner. He eats and tastes as we go and that's fine as long as he's eating healthy things.
Good luck! I'd love to try these products.
homemadechocolatier says
my brother is very picky! he doesn't eat much, but loves bananas and peanut butter. thankfully, those are two things my family keeps on hand at all times.
Carolyn Jung says
These look so lovely and healthful. I hereby volunteer to eat any that your daughter doesn't want. 😉
Janis says
These cookies look wonderful. I just had an amazing Fig Newton like cookie in San Francico at the farmers market. I have to give this a try!
Joanne says
I love the incorporation of flax. You're keeping the healthy stuff in mind, even for dessert!
Nicole @ Arctic Garden Studio says
I was just looking at these in the Flour Bakery Cookbook last night and I thought to myself that there is no way they would turn out that perfect if you made them yourself. Well, apparently I was wrong as yours look beautiful. Nice job.
Becky says
I love the addition of berries to the Newtons! The berries are a new addition to an old favorite.
Wilde in the Kitchen says
Too bad the little one doesn't like these, they are so pretty! From the looks at the recipe they also taste pretty amazing too.
Torviewtoronto says
this looks healthy and delicious bookmarking
Laurel {Make and Takes} says
These look so good and perfect for kids! I would love for you to submit this to the M&T Spotlight: http://www.makeandtakes.com/spotlight
Molly says
Well, that's easy. Here's my son's daily routine, which he WILL NOT stray from:
Breakfast: Oatmeal, in which I hide the following: 1 banana, a dash of wheatgerm, cinnamon, ginger, almond butter, homemade applesauce, and a few slices of avocado. Bowl of berries after.
Lunch: Trader Joe's whole wheat dinner roll, TJ's raw cashews, some sort of fruit (he fortunately loves all fruits) shredded cheddar, and kefir or milk to drink.
Dinner: One of two things: Hamburger on a TJ roll or whole wheat breaded chicken nuggets and sweet potato fries and milk to drink. He will also eat cherry tomatoes on occasion.
Becky says
Congratulations on the Top 9 today!
Chef Dennis says
hi Carolyn
I am not a fig newton fan, but your version looks so much better, I am sure I would love them!
Congrats on your top 9 today!
Cheers
Dennis
Babs says
I am going to try these with figs or raspberries and use my Gluten Free Flours – I miss fig newtons!! Thanks for posting this recipe!!
The Souper says
Carolyn, your Berry Newtons have me wanting to reach into my computer to grab one. Glad you provide recipes for baking at home with healthy ingredients. Fun project to get older kids to join in also.
The Souper
Stephanie says
OMG. Thank you, thank you! I love Fig Newmans (the organic variety)!! Is that ground flax in the crust recipe?
A Touch of RoJo says
Thanks so much for posting this recipe. Gosh they look tempting. I'm an addict to fig newtown. The raspberry ones and apple ones were my all time favorites. So good to know that I can now make them in my own kitchen. This is definitely going on my to-do list for things to make. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to more recipes and awesome pics.
Brown Cookie Blog says
Your version of this fig newton looks so much healthier. My father is diabetic but he doesn't watch his diet, this will be perfect for him.
Dagmarette @ The Finishing School says
Wow! these sound amazing! That is my issue with fig newtons is their crust! Its so bland, but this one sounds amazing. I can't wait to try!
http://www.thefinishing-school.com
alyce says
What a yummy looking recipe. Congrats on your top 9.
PleaseRecycle says
Those newtons look delish!
My picky eater(s) will always (always!) eat pesto pasta. I can usually slip in a little broccoli and they eat it without even realizing it!
Tilted Skillet says
Love this (and how thin you got your dough)! I recently made strawberry-fig newtons; posted over at http://www.TiltedSkillet.com.
Kicking Carbs says
I so identify with the picky eater thing! Drives me nuts.
This week she ate her body weight in salad which, I think, means she met her yearly quota and won't touch the stuff again until 2012.
I've had success in having my little one cook with me. We've invented veggie cracker stackers where veggies are alternated with ranch cream cheese on a high fiber cracker. That she will eat and if I do it right, she'll get a full serving of veggies in five little crackers.
Other than that, we eat lots of high quality food right in front of her. You know, the Freakonomics concept of kids who read watched their parents read? My kid watches me read and eat large plates full of veggies.
We'll see how it pans out!
M
Joy says
This is a wonderful recipe. I grew up on the strawberry newtons. I can't wait to try this.
Kimberly says
I love this recipe! I grew up eating Fig Newtons as a special treat when we'd go visit my grandparents. So they hold a special place in my heart! My little picky eater actually loves fig newtons himself too. I totally understand your dilemma, sounds like your little on and mine would get along great! The one thing I can always get my little guy to eat without fail are my Cinnamon Apple Pancakes http://themarfarmfamily.blogspot.com/2011/01/cinnamon-apple-pancakes.html
I can make these every single day and he will always gobble them up! Good luck feeding that little one! hope it gets easier for you!
andreagroves says
Ooooh, I love Newtons. Fig, berry, raisin, everything. Yours look amazing.
My picky eater (brother that I cook for often) isn't too picky. He just doesn't like beans, and makes up excuses to not eat certain foods if he has his mind set on something else. His favorite thing to eat is cereal – not a bad thing, if you buy whole grain with dried fruit. Sometimes he will give up his cereal if I offer to make him a special green salad or fruit salad.
andlauroves@gmail.com
Abigail says
My picky eater will NOT eat any veggies besides carrots, mushrooms, and french fries.
So, I hide veggies, like zucchini in brownies, i also puree veggies and hide them in pasta sauce…tho he always complains that it tastes "different". Ha!
abigail.lee {at} gmail.com
Cheryl says
Try telling her it is a "candy bar"! My husband did this to my 3 year old with granola bars and she devours them.
Food Frenzy says
Congratulations on a Top 9 post.
These look amazing.
Megan says
I have an extremely picky eater too, so I feel for you! These look wonderful I can't wait to give them a try.
lavendarlove says
Nut Butter + Healthy Berry Newtons= YUMMY!
Baking Barrister says
Just saw these over on the kitchn and had to take a look. nice to see that it's you!
Lauren says
I love fig newtons! These look fantastic and I can't wait to try 🙂
RockStarMel says
My kiddo is erratically picky. Sometimes he'll out of the blue refuse something he normally enjoys. That said, frozen broccoli is not safe in my freezer. When I'm not looking, if he's hungry he'll go and help himself to a BAG of frozen broccoli. Or any other fresh fruit or vegetable in the freezer or fridge for that matter.
I'm looking forward to giving this recipe a shot with some cranberries I've got left over from the holidays. IF my kid doesn't eat them all first. 😉
Heather says
What a great recipe. Just wanted you to know I am linking to this post in my Monday Shout Outs. http://www.cookingwithmyfoodstorage.blogspot.com
Claudie says
I agree about the chocolate and very gooey cookie! I'd love that any day. However, looking at the pictures of your berry newtons, I would certainly have some of those too 😛
AubreyLaine says
My husband is picky 🙂 I always know he loves any kind of Mexican food though! 🙂
aubreyfick@yahoo.com
Annie says
Carolyn, I have a daughter who was NOT a picky eater as a child. Now that she is a teenager, all that has changed. She has learned to drive and prefers all her food to come in a bag through a window. Her latest favorite: mac & cheese pizza! Her older brother grew out of his pickiness when he realized he would starve to death in college! Here's hoping she comes around. Good luck with your little one!
shelley c. says
Oooh – I can't wait to give these a try. Hopefully my 13 month old picky will like them. He will eat a variety of things, but still doesn't much care to eat a meal's worth (by any standards) by hand… and won't eat anything with real texture from a spoon. But he'll eat snacks 'til the cows come home… crackers and fruit melts… he does like the English muffins I made, so perhaps those might be something to try? Who knows. I know one day soon he will be eating me out of house and home, so I'm trying to just go with the flow for now… 🙂
Sabrina says
Made these today. They are yummy!! But for the inexperienced baker (me) the rolling and folding part was stressful. The dough was very thin after rolling it out to the desired size and then it stuck to my "well" floured surface. :(. We'll see what my toddler thinks of my hard work tomorrow!
Talitha says
These are in the oven now…. I had problems with the dough too… I didn’t have problems with it sticking, but when I tried to fold it over, it craked. They don’t look as pretty as yours, but hopefully they taste alright 🙂
Little Sis says
These look great. Can’t wait to try them so my little picky pants can reject them too. 😉 More for me!
Bailey says
Hi I know this recipe is quite a few years old, but I haven’t seen an updated version from you. I assume this was before you went super low-carb (dietary reasons or what have you), BUT can I use almond flour in place of the whole wheat flour?