Hamantashen

(by Haley Coopersmith)

(adapted from A Treasure for My Daughter: An Invaluable Guide to Jewish Festivals, Traditions and Holidays with Menus and Recipes)

Pastry:

2 1/2 c. sifted all-purpose flour

2 t. baking powder

1/4 t. salt

3 eggs, beaten

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. vegetable oil

1 t. vanilla extract

juice and grated rind of 1/2 orange

Filling:

1/2 c. raisins, soaked in warm water overnight and drained

1/2 c. chopped nuts

1/2 lb. prunes, pitted and chopped

1/2 c. sugar

juice and grated rind of 1 lemon

Sift together flour, baking powder and salt.

Combine 2 eggs with sugar, oil, and vanilla.

Add flour mixture, kneading until smooth.

Roll out on floured board to 1/4 in. thickness.

Cut into circles with round cookie cutter or glass tumbler.

Combine all ingredients for filling, and place a spoonful in center of each circle.

Draw up 3 sides to form a triangle, pinching edges together.

Beat the remaining egg and brush over the tips of the pastries.

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Bake for 1/2 hour.

Other filling options include but are not limited to: apricot, poppy seed, chocolate chip, and marmalade (apricot, raspberry, strawberry, or orange).

(Read A Bite Out of History, the story that accompanies this recipe.)