Food and Culture

Recently I was visiting friends while they were preparing to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim with their families. My children helped our friends bake a big batch of hamantashen, which is a filled cookie that represents Haman's hat (or his ears, depending on whom you ask). The filling is traditionally made of poppy seeds, but apricot, plum, and other fillings may also be used.

Hamantashen are a delicious tradition, and (together with latkes), are a cultural universal food of the Jewish faith. Sending food to friends and giving to the poor are two Purim traditions. You can read more about Purim here.

You will find a hamentash recipe on this link.