Happy Purim!

This Sunday is Purim, a Jewish holiday celebrating the Jews not getting exterminated by Haman, all thanks to Queen Esther. It's a fun holiday where kids dress up in costumes, carnivals are held, and adults are encouraged to drink in excess. There's noisemakers and merriment and, most importantly, cookies. These special Purim cookies, called Hamantaschen, are tri-cornered cookies filled with goodies. Poppyseed and apricot seem to be the traditional flavors, but I'm all about raspberry jam. My mom is partial to chocolate chips.

I got this recipe online years ago, but the website sure doesn't want to work now. Oh well.

HAMANTASCHEN X

Mix well until fluffy:

* 2 sticks of margarine, softened (I use Earth Balance)
* 2 cups of granulated sugar (this was very thick for me- i used and
electric mixer)

Blend in well:

* 1/2 orange juice
* 2 teaspoons of vanilla

In separate bowl, mix together:

* 4 teaspoons of baking powder
* 1 teaspoon of salt
* 4 cups of flour

Spoon in flour mixture gradually until mixed well. Refrigerate for a few
hours until very firm. When ready cut into four balls and set aside. Roll
out dough to 1/4 of an inch thickness.

Cut 3-4 inch circles ( We use punch cups.) Place desired filling in center.
( about 1/2 teaspoon) and mold in to triangles.

Pinch the corners. Place on a baking sheet and cook at 400 degrees for 10
minutes or until lightly brown.

Do not over cook. These cookies are not to be crispy but flaky.