24k hamantaschen magic in the air!! Millionaire’s Shortbread Hamantaschen are a buttery cookie dough, stuffed with rich caramel and chocolate glaze. The result is totally Esther-worthy. Edible gold is optional.
Purim is arguably the most fun of all the Jewish holidays.
But what is Purim? Glad you asked!
According to the story of Purim, years ago (around 400 BCE), the Persian queen, Esther, saved all the Jews from the murderous plot of the king’s advisor, Haman. She did so by revealing her hidden Jewish identity under the guide of her cousin, Mordechai. So we rejoice and celebrate Esther! Here are my top reasons why Purim is the best.
Purim Costumes
Move over Halloween. Kids and adults alike dress up and wear masks as a nod to Esther and her hidden identity. Wearing costumes is also a reference to the miracle of Purim that masqueraded as natural events. Some dress as traditional heroes Esther or Mordechai, but you can get as creative as you like with your costume choices.
Purim Carnivals
Once you are all dressed up, you go to a carnival to show off your ensemble, play games, do crafts and of course eat hamantaschen. These festivals are generally geared towards kids, but I see no reason why you can’t have an adult Purim carnival.
Drinking on Purim
And speaking of adult activities, the story of Purim tells us to rejoice by getting so drunk (for the legal crowd, of course) you cannot distinguish the evil Haman from the hero Mordechai. You don’t have to tell me twice.
Booo Haman
When the story of Purim is read, we are supposed to boo and shake noisemakers called groggers whenever the name of the evil Haman is mentioned. A fun yet therapeutic way to get any modern day stresses out too.
Mishloach Manot and Purim Charity
Purim is not all about hedonism; we give back too. It is traditional to give mishloach manot aka Purim gift baskets filled with snacks to friends and family. We also donate to the poor to show gratitude for being saved and to share the joy of the holiday so everyone can celebrate.
Why do we eat hamantaschen on Purim?
I saved the best for last. Most Jewish holidays revolve around food and Purim is pretty much synonymous with the hamantaschen. These triangular shaped cookies, representing the fashionable three-cornered hat Haman was known to sport, are traditionally filled with apricot, poppy seed or prune, though non-traditional fillings have gotten quite trendy.
However popular the Purim cookie is, it is also plagued (no Passover pun intended) by a less than stellar reputation. They are known to be dry, with fillings that leave something to be desired. For a holiday as glorious as Purim, I wanted to make an Esther-worthy hamantaschen. I started thinking of my favorite flavor combinations and recalled the appropriately named Millionaire’s Shortbread. Buttery shortbread, topped with a layer of caramel and a coating of chocolate. These are the hamantaschen Esther deserves.
Get the full recipe for Millionaire’s Shortbread Hamantaschen on Food Network!
Ella Miller says
Hello!
The link doesn’t take me to the recipe and I’v searched on food network and nothing comes up.
I would love to bake these tomorrow if you have the recipe?
Thank you
Sue N Feuille says
It does. Scroll down more explanation of the holiday and there is another link to the recipe.
Shoshannah says
When I click on it says the item cannot be found on food network
Amy Kritzer says
Are you in the US? The Food Network site only works in the US for some reason.
Shoshannah says
Oh such a shame! Is there any other way of seeing the recipe?
Amy Kritzer says
Send me an email amy @ what jew wanna eat dot com
Elli says
I love your cookbook even tho I’m no cook I love to read it & daydream. Plus they are so gift worthy. 💟
Amy Kritzer says
Thank you!