Hamantaschen Recipe, History and New Takes on the Tradition
Purim 2013 is just days away, so we asked some Pikesville Patch users which flavor they prefer.
Hamentaschen.
Look around the grocery stores and bakeries this week, and you'll see a variety of triangular, filled pastries, ready to be sold for Purim.
The traditional Jewish pastry comes with many types of fillings, including fruit, nuts or chocolate, and represent the shape of the hat and pockets worn by Haman, the villain and enemy of the Jews in Megillat Esther, a story also known as The Scroll of Esther.
In the story, the Jews are not massacred as planned, but they defeat the anti-Semite Haman and his followers, according to the book Essential Judaism.
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Purim which means "lots," is celebrated Mardi Gras-style, with adults and children dressing up in costumes of the Megillat Esther characters.
This year, Goldman's Kosher Bakery is producing a purple version of the pastry, in honor of the Ravens' Super Bowl victory. They call it the Raventaschen, and they, too, come with a variety of fillings.
And in Israel, there's experimentation going on, with "flaky crusts and savory new fillings, like goat cheese and pesto," according to an article in Haaretz.
Purim begins Feb. 23 and ends at nightfall Feb. 24, according to Chabad.org.
Which is your favorite flavor of Hamantaschen, and where do you buy them? Tell us in the comments, and vote in the poll. If you have a favorite recipe to share, include that too. If there's a flavor missing, mention it so I can add it to the poll.
Anna Osztreicher
10:55 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013
The recipe on the Solo canned poppy is fantastic. I like to fill mine with poppy, apricot jam and homemade prune butter. Yum, yum
Janet Metzner
9:18 pm on Saturday, February 23, 2013
Anna, Thanks for the Hamantaschen recipe advice. I, too, am partial to poppy! -Janet