Hamantashen Thanks to Al for contributing this recipe. These triangular "cookies" are known as Hamantashen or Haman's hats, the most popular sweet made at Purim.  One legend tell us that the three corners of the cookie represent Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the founding fathers of Judaism.  But the more popular story is that they are shaped like the three cornered hat worn by Haman.

1 Cup Sugar
1/3 Cup oil
1/3 Cup vegetable shortening
3 eggs
1/2 Cup Orange juice
4 Cups Flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 egg, beaten for glazing 

Suggested filings: Poppy, Prune, Strawberry Jam, Apricot Jam, Orange Marmalade, Cherry Pie Filing

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream sugar, oil and shortening.

Add eggs and juice and mix well.

Blend with dry ingredients and roll into a ball.

Divide into four parts.

Roll out each piece very thin (1/8 inch) on a floured board. (it works best if you refrigerate the dough for an hour first) 

With the rim of a cup or glass (depending upon the size you desire), cut the dough into circles 

Place 1/2 to 2/3 teaspoon of the filing of your choice in the middle of each circle.

To shape into triangle, lift up right and left sides, leaving the bottom side down, and bring both sides to meet at center, above the filing.  Lift the bottom side up to center to meet other two sides.

Brush dough with beaten egg before baking.  Place on greased cookie sheets.  Bake for approximately 20 minutes.

Yields 4 dozen.

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