Throughout Shomrei’s Preschool and Jewish Learning Center in Montclair, kids in grades k – 12, are getting ready for their Purim celebrations by baking Hamantaschen!
Hamantaschen is a triangular, filled pastry which is traditionally served on the Jewish festival of Purim. Judy Jaffe, director of congregational learning, explains, “We think the tradition to eat Hamantaschen on Purim began in Europe. The word Hamantaschen is derived from two German words: mohn (poppy seed) and taschen (pockets). Mohntaschen is German for ‘poppy seed pockets’ and was a popular German pastry. Hamantaschen means ‘Haman’s pockets’ and became a popular Purim pastry.”
“The most popular explanation of why a three cornered pastry is served on Purim is that Haman wore a three-cornered hat. Eating an image of Haman’s hat is a way to symbolically destroy his memory. Folklore describes Haman as a monster, with clipped ears, like Star Trek’s Mr. Spock. The three-cornered Hamantaschen are symbolic of Haman’s clipped ears. In Hebrew, Hamantaschen are called Oznay Haman, means Haman’s ears,” Jaffe further explained.
Whatever reason you prefer, Hamentaschen is delicious. Here is Shomrei’s recipe to enjoy:
Shomrei’s Hamantaschen Recipe
½ Cup margarine/butter- 1 Cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 Tablespoon milk/ apple juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 Cup flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ t salt
Filling
- ½ cocoa powder
- ½ sugar
- ¼ coffee
Variations: apricot jam mixed with coconut/nuts or raspberry jam mixed with chocolate chips.
Mix together, roll out dough, use rim of glass to create 3 inch circles. Fill with your favorite filling an seal up corner. Bake 10-12 minutes at 400°. Yum!
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I don’t think the recipe is complete. The filling doesn’t have the measurements. And coffee?