| 1 | "the traditional cookie for purim, hamantashen is yiddish for "haman"s pockets". |
| 2 | They are meant to recall the story of haman, a wicked persian prince who wished to destroy the jews but was foiled by mordecai and esther." to make filling: in a small saucepan, combine prunes, raisins and l/2 c. water. |
| 3 | Simmer over low heat until the prunes are tender but still firm and liquid has been absorbed, about 10 minutes. |
| 4 | In a food processor, combine the prune mixture, apples, walnuts, sugar, lemon juice and lemon zest; process until smooth. |
| 5 | Transfer to a small bowl and set aside. |
| 6 | (the filling can be made up to 2 days ahead and kept, covered, in the refrigerator). |
| 7 | To make cookies: in a medium-sized bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream sugar, oil and butter until smooth. |
| 8 | Add egg and beat until smooth. |
| 9 | Add vanilla and beat until blended. |
| 10 | In another medium-sized bowl, sift together flour, baking powder and salt. |
| 11 | Using a wooden spoon, stir the dry ingredients into the sugar mixture until just combined. |
| 12 | Gather the dough together into a ball, wrap with plastic wrap, and flatten slightly. |
| 13 | Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours or overnight. |
| 14 | Line 2 baking sheets with baking parchment or coat with non-stick cooking spray. |
| 15 | Set aside. |
| 16 | Preheat oven to 350 °F. |
| 17 | Divide the dough in half. |
| 18 | (refrigerate the other half). |
| 19 | Roll out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of ? inch. |
| 20 | Using a 2 ? diameter cookie cutter, cut the dough into circles. |
| 21 | Place l/2 tsp. of the filling in the center of each circle. |
| 22 | Bring the edges together to cover the filling, forming a 3-cornered cookie. |
| 23 | Pinch the corners together to seal. |
| 24 | Place about 1 ? apart on the prepared baking sheets. |
| 25 | Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden. |
| 26 | Transfer to racks to cool. |
| 27 | Repeat with the remaining dough. |
| 28 | (store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. |
| 29 | Freeze for longer storage). |
| 30 | Nutritional information per serving: 58 calories each; 1 g protein; 2 g fat; 6 g carbohydrates; 13 mg sodium; 9 mg cholesterol |
