Purim is a joyous holiday whereby Jews commemorate the deliverance of the Jewish people from the ancient Persian empire. It involves three major components: the reciting of the book of Ester, which tell the story of this deliverance, the wearing of costumes and the giving of food and treats. Since I am not Jewish, I searched online for the Story of Ester and I really liked the Sesame Street version best. If you are interested, the video is below.
No matter who tells the story, the tale remains the same. What changes is the costumes. In addition to there being so many new Purim costumes added to our website each year for, many orthodox sects are getting more lenient with regard to the types of costumes that people can wear. Where some require the costumes to be religious in nature, others will allow any type of costume as long as it respects their rules regarding conservative dress. With regard to everything else, if its Kosher, it is yours to enjoy!
One thing that the Jews do indulge in with great abandon during Purim is food and treats – yummy, delicious goodies that everyone will love. The very best Purim treats are surprisingly easy to make and are worth every calorie. A major part of the Purim celebration is called mishloach manot which means “sending of portions.” Families will dress in costume and deliver food and gifts to neighbors, friends and family. Here is the best recipe for Hamantashen, a common Purim treat for mishloach manot:
Hamantashen (Purim Cookies)
Ingredients
4 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup oil
juice of one lemon
rind of 1 lemon, grated
1 tsp. vanilla extract
5 cups flour
2 tsps. baking powder
Fillings:
1 pound prepared poppy seed filling
or strawberry or apricot preserves
Preheat oven to 350
Grease cookie sheets.
Beat eggs and sugar. Add remaining ingredients, and mix well. Divide into four parts.
Rolls out the dough on a floured surface and used a 3 inch round cookie cutter. Continue until all of the dough has been rolled out and cut.
Fill each round with a teaspoon of filling.
Fold the left side and right side to form a triangle, then fold the bottom up so it looks like the image shown here. Pinch the edges together.
Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
Whether you are Jewish or not, you will find it nearly impossible to eat just one.
We hope you enjoy your day and have a blessed and happy Purim. Chag Purim Sameach and Freilichin Purim!