These delicious cookies are inspired by the story of Purim. According to the Old Testament, Haman, the evil adviser to the king of Persia, was plotting against the Jewish people. Queen Esther, who had previously hidden her Jewish heritage from the king, disclosed her secret and alerted him to Haman's plans. The king put a stop to Haman, and the Jewish people were saved. Hamantaschen, said by some to resemble evil Haman's three-cornered hat, are a traditional Purim treat. Ingredients 1 stick butter melted 1/4 cup sugar 1 egg 1 tablespoon orange juice 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 3/4 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt Jam or preserves

Instructions
Combine the butter and the sugar in a large bowl. Whisk in the egg, orange juice, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring well.
Add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar and blend until a firm dough forms. Shape it into a flat disk, wrap it in plastic, and chill it for 1 hour.
Heat the oven to 375°. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a 1/8 inch thickness, then cut out 2 1/4- to 2 1/2-inch rounds and place 3/4 teaspoon of jam or preserves in the center of each one.
With your finger, dampen the edges of the dough with water, then firmly pinch together the dough in 3 places to form a triangle around the filling.
Bake the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are slightly browned. Transfer to a wire rack for cooling. Makes 2 to 2 1/2 dozen.

This recipe published with BigOven, and can be imported instantly by BigOven users. Download your free trial at www.bigoven.com.


Yields: 2 1/2 Dozen