Purim is still weeks away But Chef Laura Frankel is already dressing up for the Holiday with two special (kosher) recipes.
By CHEF LAURA FRANKELHamantaschen(photo credit: Courtesy)
I know that Purim is a few weeks off-but somehow the holiday creeps in and often I am left unprepared.Every year I wait until the last minute to even think about Purim and making Hamantaschen and before I know it the holiday sneaks up on me and I end up buying Hamantaschen at the store or bakery. Yeah-they are OK Hamantaschen all right-but nowhere near as good as those made at home. I have to sneak the package into the house and arrange the counterfeit confections on a plate and try and pass them off as my own. This year-I am armed and prepared to bake my own. I have a recipe for each week and if I stick to the plan I will have enough of the gorgeous goodies to serve my family and friends in my home and even enough to put in cute little bags for Mishloach Manot or gifts to friends.This year is going to be different and Purim will not slide by me unnoticed. Who knows-Maybe I will even wear a costume to shul?Here is the first installment of Hamantaschen recipes. This one starts off strong and you can see how sincere I am as I prepare for the holiday. I went with a Persian theme and added a touch of Rosewater to a sensuous Almond Paste filling. With Hamantaschen this good-baking at home may be come habit forming.Chef Laura’s HamantaschenThis elegant confection elevates the triangle shaped cookie we all know and love. In the spirit of Persian flavors I have used a Rosewater and Pistachio Filling.½ cup unsalted butter¾ cup sugar2 teaspoons fresh orange zest1 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice1 teaspoon vanilla extract½ teaspoon almond extract2 eggs2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted2 teaspoons baking powderPinch of salt1. Cream butter and sugar together in a mixer until light and fluffy. 2. Add the orange zest, orange juice and vanilla extract to the mixture. 3. With the machine running on low add the eggs one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each egg.4. Add the flour, baking powder and salt. Mix to combine-be careful not to over mix or the dough will be tough.5. Roll the dough on a floured surface to ¼ inch thickness. Dip a round cookie cutter into flour and cut circles in the dough. Fill the dough with ½ teaspoon of filling and pinch the edges together to form a triangle. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly browned. 6. Transfer the Hamantaschen to a cooling rack.Rosewater-Pistachio FillingI took a classic French frangipane filling and instead of using almonds, I used pistachios. The filling is fragrant and luscious and can be used in your favorite tarts as well as these very different Hamantaschen.¾ cup shelled raw pistachios¼ cup sugar + 1 tablespoon1/8 teaspoon baking powder3 tablespoons butter1 egg½ teaspoon rosewater*1. Mix all of the above ingredients together in a mixer until very smooth. The almond filling can be made up to 5 days ahead of baking and can be stored covered in the refrigerator or frozen for up to 1 month.*Rosewater is a distillation of rose petals. Rose oil is made from distilling crushed rose petals and is used in cosmetics and perfumes. Rosewater is a by-product of this process.Rosewater is commonly used in Persian and Indian recipes. It is used in desserts as well as savory dishes.In Europe, rosewater is used to flavor marzipan, marshmallows and scones. Last year, my husband and I were in Paris and visited many patisseries owned by friends. Rose scented desserts are “in”; we saw and ate them everywhere in Paris. We passed by a shop everyday in Le Marais that only sold rosewater products and baked goods.Rosewater is an old ingredient that is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. I encourage you to try it. I use it in Persian cooking, desserts, vinaigrettes and marinades. When first trying to cook with rosewater-go slow at first until you get a feel for it. A little goes a long way.Rosewater can be found in many grocery stores, Persian or Middle Eastern stores and on line. Rosewater is a distillation and does not require hashgacha.Kale and Caramelized Onion HamantaschenI am not sure there are any rules that say that Hamantaschen are only for dessert.I used my favorite Kale and Caramelized onion mixture to create these Hamantaschen that are perfect for an hors d’oeuvre or snack. Think of these delicious treats as empanadas with attitude!½ cup unsalted butter¾ cup sugar2 teaspoons fresh orange zest2 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice2 eggs2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted2 teaspoons baking powderPinch of salt7. Cream butter and sugar together in a mixer until light and fluffy. 8. Add the orange zest, orange juice and vanilla extract to the mixture. 9. With the machine running on low add the eggs one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each egg.10. Add the flour, baking powder and salt. Mix to combine-be careful not to over mix or the dough will be tough.11. Roll the dough on a floured surface to ¼ inch thickness. Dip a round cookie cutter into flour and cut circles in the dough. Fill the dough with ½ teaspoon of filling and pinch the edges together to form a triangle. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly browned. 12. Transfer the Hamantaschen to a cooling rack.Kale FillingOlive oil1 red onion, thinly sliced1 bunch of dinosaur kale, stemmed and coarsely chopped2 cloves garlic, minced2 tablespoons tomato paste½ cup grated parmesan cheesePinch of crushed red chiliesSalt and pepper1. Place a large sauté pan over medium high heat and lightly coat the bottom with olive oil. Add the red onion san sauté until the onion is dark brown and very limp (about 10 minutes). 2. Add the kale to the onion and add ½ cup of water. Stir the mixture until the water evaporates. Add the garlic and tomato paste and continue cooking for 2 additional minutes until the garlic is very soft and fragrant.3. Transfer the kale mixture to a bowl and stir in the cheese. Allow the filling to cool before using. The filling can be made 2 days ahead of using and store covered in the refrigerator.Chef Laura Frankel is Executive Chef for Spertus Kosher Catering and author of Jewish Cooking for All Seasons, and Jewish Slow Cooker Recipes.
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