Happy Purim!

Hamantaschen cookies are popular treats for the festivities of Purim, which is a joyful celebration for the Jews ' deliverance from the detested Haman. The story of Purim is a good one and a festive, joyful holiday- http://www.meirpanim.org/page_e.php?name=Purim

Some good help - make sure the cookie dough is chilled before you roll it out so that it doesn;t stick to your rolling pin, counter or tear to bits. You can use poppyseed (this is most traditional) , apricot or mini chocolate chips for filling. I made two different kinds this year - one with spiced apples, cinnamon and pecans and a second one with mini chocolate chips/

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c. butter, softened 1 tbsp vanilla

1 c. sugar 2 tsp baking powder

2 eggs 4 1/2 c. all purpose flour

6 tbsp oj choose your filling

tbsp cinnamon (I like to add this in otherwise the dough tastes to plain for my liking)

Directions:

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the oj and vanilla. Mix in the baking powder, then gradualy stir in the flour until the dough forms a ball. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hrs. I like to do mine over night.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and grease cookie sheets.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 in thickness. Cut into 3 inch circles using a cookie cutter or a drinking glass will work too. Place circles onto cookie sheet. Spoon 1 tsp filling onto the center of each circle (be careful not to add more otherwise it will leaks out). Pinch the sides of each circle to form a triangle, covering the filling as much as possible. The cookies may be frozen on the cookie sheets to retain their shape while baking.

Bake 12-15 min, until light golden brown. These are best slightly under baked. Cool on sheet for a few min before moving to wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy the cookies & don't forget to dress up for Purim! I was always Queen Esther.

Next up goodies or Passover...yes, things without flour can be tasty too!