Guide Note:Purim Recipes are made during Purim, a festive Jewish Holiday celebrating the salvation of the Jews in Persia by Queen Esther from the evil Haman. Haman had been plotting to kill all the Jews in Persia; Queen Esther had been hiding the fact that she was a Jew from her husband, King Ahasuerus. Her brother, Mordecai, begged Esther to intervene and save her people. Esther, at great risk to herself, revealed her secret, and saved her people.

Purim is preceded by three days of fasting, in observance of Esther's fast before she went to the King to plead for the Jews. The fast ensures that the celebrants will be ready for an elaborate dinner to celebrate Purim. The meal itself, called the the Purim Seudat, has no prescribed menu, and is usually characterized by foods specific to the cultural background of the particular family. Italian Jews might have ravioli and manicotti, for example, while others might serve roast chicken or brisket.

One Purim recipe that is common to most cultures on Purim, however, is Hamentashen. These are small, filled triangular cookies, also known as Hamen's Ears or Hamen's Hat. The cookies themselves can be made from either a traditional sugar cookie dough, or can be made from a yeast based dough. The fillings vary widely--chocolate, poppy seeds, figs, and apricots are all popular choices.

A popular ingredient in Purim recipes is wine, to reflect the commandment that on Purim, one is to drink until they can't tell the difference between "cursed be Haman" and "blessed be Mordecai". So, in addition to consuming wine, wine is used to marinate meat, or as an ingredient in salad dressings or desserts.

In addition to Purim Recipes for the Seudat, Purim recipes are also used in the preparation of gift baskets of food and drink, which are exchanged between family and friends on Purim. Fast Facts:

1. Purim is celebrated a month before Passover
2. Can be Kosher, or not, depending on the family

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