Purim is here! One of my favorite festivals (it’s not a holy day) Purim is a wonderful time to gather together with family and friends.
For those that aren’t familiar, Purim, (like so many other Jewish holidays and festivals) involves the story of the attempted destruction of the Jewish people, the subsequent redemption to “freedom” and much feasting. Hooray for freedom and feasting! Hooray for Jewish celebrations!
Yesterday afternoon, we had a Purim Party at our house during which we made Shaloch Manot and told the story of Purim which goes something like this:
Around 1,400 years ago, The Jews were living in exile under Babylonian rule (this all takes place in ancient Persia, or modern day Iran). A really ‘bad” guy named Haman who was an adviser to the Babylonian king decided that all the Jews should die. The king’s wife (who I will briefly here describe as a “closet Jew” came out). She declared herself Jewish, charmed the king with her intelligence, beauty, and Jewishness and convinced him to spare the Jews. Her brother Mordechai helped too. The Queen’s name was Esther.
So there you have it. And I hope I have not offended any of my tribe with this very abbreviated and flip description. For more information go to the Book of Esther.
Of course, telling the story of Purim is an essential part of this celebration and much fun. Whenever the name of the “bad” guy is said, all the children make noise to drown out his name. This gets very loud. Thankfully we also made Hamantaschen, Peanut Butter Cups and Mounds Candy Bars, none of this quite so noisy. Much fun was had by all and after the children left I swept and then scrubbed chocolate off the floor on my hands and knees with a damp rag –trust me this is a good workout and very satisfying.
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Here are some fun ideas for holiday desserts that you can make for your friends in celebration of Purim. Even is you’re not Jewish, go ahead, have some of our fun.
Purim Recipes
Hamantaschen
A quick and easy gluten free, dairy free Raspberry Hamantaschen recipe
Chocolate Raspberry Hamantaschen
A great Chocolate Raspberry Hamantaschen recipe
Black and White Cookies
These vegan cookies are simple and super fun for children
Chocolate Bark
Although this candy is vegan you wouldn’t know it; the perfect treat for holiday parties
Macadamia Caramel Clusters
Healthy homemade caramel and macadamia nuts drizzled with dark chocolate, my husband’s fave
Sesame Truffles
These little vegan sesame bites are super nutritious and remind me of halva
I had a great time talking with the fabulous Zoe Alexander on Blog Talk Radio yesterday. If you missed The Zoe Alexander Connection radio program the audio from our conversation is available on her Blog Talk Radio page.
Happy Purim everyone!
Chana Lew says
Love your recipes and posts Elana. The personal things you share continuously draw me in. I was a little late looking at your purim post, but when I saw it I thought I’d share a Poppy Seed Filling Recipe for hamantaschen (or anything). You can see it on my blog: http://chana-lew.blogspot.com/2010/02/purim-poppy-seed-filling-recipe.html
Guess it’s time to start digging out the pesach recipes….
AidelK says
A Freilechen Purim!
Stephanie says
Happy Purim to you, Elana! Just discovered your blog and it is gorgeous! I am not gluten intolerant, but have friends who are or who prefer not to eat gluten, so this will be a great resource. Many thanks! (The story of Esther is indeed amazing, and future commentors might consider keeping their lectures and reprimands to/for themselves, lest they confuse themselves with God).
Jacqueline says
Way to say it, Stephanie!
Gluten Free Snacks says
Book of Esther was good. Can’t wait to try this stuff.
Kelli says
The book of Esther goes a little differently than that. I would sincerley ask that you read the book of Esther, and Isaiah. For one thing, Mordechai is her cousin. But the story is so much more than that! Read Esther, and Isaiah, to start, and you’ll see that these festivals and holy days point to our Savior, Jesus Christ. You don’t have to take my word for it. Read it for yourself.
Jeannette says
I could not have said it better, Kelli. The book of Esther is filled with the work and grace of God. It was not Esther alone who “charmed” the king. God had a plan and used Esther to help fulfill it.
veggievixen says
when i saw this post, inspiration struck! i’ve been itching to bake something out of the ordinary, and hamantaschen are the perfect thing!
my favorite jewish holiday is passover (SO excited, especially about the food, and it is a gluten-free holiday) but purim is pretty great too. i never think about much besides the hamantaschen as being purim food.
Stacie says
I have to say, I am not Jewish and know little about your faith, but I absolutely love hearing about your traditions and how food plays a part in them. It makes me curious and excited for you all at once. Thanks for sharing who you are!
Marla says
Love the Book of Esther! I will def try these recipes.
Yaelian says
Happy Purim to you too! Lovely Purim goodies in your ????? ????
Emily says
Yum Yum Yum. Sounds like a lot of fun, happy celebrating!