Hamentaschen

These are a traditional Jewish or Israeli cookies associated with the holiday of Purim. The name translates to Hamen's Hat or Hamen's Pockets or Hamen's ears in Hebrew. The 3 cornered shape refers to the shape of Hamen's hat. You'll see 3 different fillings traditionally: poppy seed, apricot and prune. These will keep 1 week in an airtight container. They also freeze well. Notes below. Photo from Diana's Desserts.
















Filling:

2 cups finely chopped dried apricots
1 1/3 cups orange juice
2/3 cup honey
1/2 orange, zest grated



Dough:

2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cold unsalted butter
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 egg white
1/2 orange, zest grated



Equipment: 2 1/2 to 3-inch round cookie cutter

To make the Filling: Place the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until soft and the liquid is absorbed. Add water, if needed. Let cool.

To make the Dough: Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a food processor. Add the butter and pulse. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, egg, egg white, and orange zest. Add it to the processor and pulse to mix, being careful not to over mix. Divide into 2 disks and chill 30 minutes.


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Roll out the dough on a floured work surface to 1/4-inch thick. Cut out 2 1/2 to 3-inch disks. (You can re-roll the scrapes to make more disks.) Place a disk of dough down and place 1 teaspoon of filling in the center. Pinch the disk in 3 places to form a triangular shape with the filling still showing in the center. They will look like 3 cornered hats. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Continue until all the disks are made.

Bake for 12 to 14 minutes.

**Notes: Ok, I made these with the traditional apricot filling (very yummy) but I also made a batch with raspberry preserves (I purchased a jar at Jewel) as well as a batch made with melted chocolate. A great treat, I'm not sure why this coorilates to Hamen wearing a hat, but it is a nice excuse to discuss Esther with whoever you're giving them to.