Paula Wesson, Lifestyles Editor
This year, the Jewish holiday of Purim begins on Saturday, Feb. 23. Purim began as a celebration of freedom after the death of Haman, a cruel official of the Persian Empire. In Hebrew “Haman tash” means “Haman was weakened,” thus the name hamantaschen was applied to this poppy seed pastry.
Regardless of your religious affiliation, hamantaschen are delicious cookies.
Ingredients:
2 eggs
½ cup oil
¾ cup sugar
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 ¾ cups flour
Possible Fillings: poppy seed filling, pie filling, jelly, and/or chocolate chips
1. Beat eggs in a large mixing bowl. Beat in oil, sugar, baking powder, salt and vanilla. Add flour gradually, blending well after each addition.
2. Turn out dough on a floured surface. Knead until smooth, adding more flour if necessary.
3. Divide dough into small balls. Roll or press dough into circles. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the edges of the circle in and pinch corners of dough to form triangle.
4. Place on greased cookie sheets. Bake in at 300° F for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Recipe adapted from Learning About Jewish Holidays
Filed under: 2013, February 6, 2013, Lifestyles
