Making "cheaty" Hamantaschen

Purim is a lesser-known holiday among non-Jews, but it's arguably the most fun holiday in our repertoire. I have fond memories of dressing up as Queen Esther to go to temple and enthusiastically boo'ing and shaking groggers during the service before adjourning to a mini carnival of sorts.

(The story of Purim is fairly short and Wikipedia does a great job explaining it. Click here to read the story, and here to read about how it's celebrated.)

It's been years since I've done anything for Purim, but this year I wanted to try my hand at making hamantaschen, the iconic triangular cookie meant to represent Haman's hat (or pockets, or ears, or...other body parts, depending on who you listen to).

Hamantaschen are notoriously tricky, often exploding in the oven due to compromised folds or overfilling. I also haven't eaten a hamantaschen (gluten free or otherwise) since childhood, so I had no idea what it should taste like. I vaguely remember eating a fig one as a kid and finding it bland and gross.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Nosher (@jewishfood)

I found this recipe from The Nosher, which is kind of cheaty and therefore perfect for me. Apparently using yellow cake mix is a great shortcut that makes for sturdy dough that holds its integrity (and its fillings) in the oven.

I opted for raspberry jam (particularly this brand because of its alleged history, which I've shared below) and Nutella for fillings. If the cookie was bland like I remembered it, I wanted something very sweet and delightful in the center.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Humans of Judaism (@humansofjudaism)

So, without further ado...here's the recipe!

Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set up your mise en place.

Step 1: Make the dough. This is as easy as can be. You just dump all the ingredients (except the fillings, of course) into a bowl and beat them with a paddle attachment until they loosely come together. I used my stand mixer and it took no time at all.

I've never worked with such a crumbly dough, so I was nervous at first, but it quickly came together into a ball with some gentle kneading.

Step 2: Divide the dough. I broke my dough-ball into four equal-ish chunks. Because my workspace was small, it made sense to avoid rolling out the entire thing in one go.

Step 3: Roll & cut. Most recipes, including the one I'm working off of, call for rolling the dough out to 1/8 inch. I definitely could have gone a bit thinner than I did, and next time I want to spend over an hour making cookies, I will.

I used the rim of a pint glass (my 3rd place AG award from the Howl at the Moon 5k eons ago) to cut the circles out. Place the circles under a damp kitchen towel as you work, so they stay moist. Re-incorporate your scraps of dough back into a ball and keep rolling and cutting until you have all your circles.

I ended up with exactly 6 circles per quarter of dough, but if I had rolled it thinner, I could have gotten more.

Step 4: Fill, shape, & chill. Work with one cookie at a time. Fill your circle of dough with 1 tsp of filling. Fold the top two edges of the circle together to form a point at the top. I recommend folding the right side over the left.

This is where a small bowl of water comes in handy. I dipped my finger in the water and used it to seal the folds, as well as to smooth together any bits of dough that cracked. (Thinner dough won't crack as much, but like I said, I didn't roll these thin enough.)

Fold the bottom edge of the circle up, tucking the left corner under the existing flap. You know you've folded it correctly if all your edges have one corner under and one over, like when you're trying to reuse a really great cardboard box but don't want to tape the top.

Source

I moved each finished cookie back under the damp towel until all six from the batch were done, then moved them to the cookie sheet, which I stuck in the fridge while I rolled out and completed the next batch. This recipe claims refrigerating isn't necessary with the cake mix, but it's better to be safe than sorry!

It took me awhile to figure out the right way to fold these, so some of them aren't correct. But none of them exploded in the oven!

Step 5: Bake. I made sure my last batch had at least five minutes in the fridge before I moved the cookie sheet to the oven. I baked them for 12 minutes. They didn't really turn golden, but the edges and bottom did brown a bit.

I couldn't decide how open I wanted the hamantaschen to be, and next time I think I'll leave them more open so the filling is more visible.

That's it!

The cookies turned out nicely. The cookie itself is firm, crisp, and a bit crumbly. It's definitely a drier cookie, and it turned out sweet, but not too sweet. It's definitely not bland like I remember from childhood. The fillings, of course, offer a nice extra punch of sweetness as well. 

Next time I may give them a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking, to give them a nice crust à la my apple pie. 

Honestly, they're pretty great. This is a super simple but time-intensive recipe. I've never made anything that involved really shaping dough like this, so it was a fun, new endeavor for me. I like learning to make foods from my culture, and this is another I can add to my list!

ABK

Zooma Holiday Challenge, Week 5

Week five of the Zooma Holiday Challenge has come to a close, and I feel good. Surprisingly strong and balanced. In the past, challenges have burnt me out, but this time I feel like it's actually laying a foundation for long-term commitment without the stress that usually accompanies it.

This week included the majority of Chanukah. I always feel like taking the time to celebrate counts as self-care, and I spent week five feeling deeply fulfilled and content.

Movement 1: I started the week with a bang, completing a three mile run, an arm workout (Peloton), and a core workout (Coach Marcia). I had finished week four feeling so motivated that it carried right into week five.

I think I'm starting to see some real physical results from my dedication, and seeing results motivates me to do more.

Movement 2: Matt and I took an evening walk (a little less than two miles) to get some fresh air and stretch our legs.

Movement 3: I completed a 30-minute Peloton ride. This was my first ride in my new spin shoes and it was fantastic! Being clipped in REALLY makes a huge difference; I was able to come out of the saddle with proper form and push for a faster cadence. I'm so glad I got a pair of shoes for myself!

They're functional and pretty!

Movement 4: I attempted a four mile hill run, but it turned into 3.3 mediocre miles. My legs were too sore after the Peloton to really dig deep for this run, so I called it early.

One reason I've always avoided cross-training is because I worry it will affect my running. This does seem to be the case if I'm not careful about how I plan my runs. I need to be more intentional about planning for hills, flat runs, and the bike.

Movement 5: My legs really needed a rest. I completed two Peloton app workouts — arms and abs. The arm workouts have really proven to be effective; I'm always sore for days after.

I didn't love this ab routine. It's the first Peloton workout I've done that I gave a thumbs-down.

Self-Care 1: I splurged on Black Friday and bought myself some new makeup, so this week I broke out my stash — which I haven't used since March — and did a full face. I listened to music and just pampered myself. It was fun to experiment with my new eyeshadow pallet, and I had forgotten what I look like in mascara!

We took our evening walk after this, and I've made a mental note to buy some waterproof mascara. The cold wind did a number on my eyes!

Self-Care 2: As usual, I repainted my nails.

But also, I finally set up a time to Zoom with some friends back home! It was so fun to see their faces and chat in real time. I have decided I need to be better about actually choosing a day/time to call, not just saying, "Oh hey, we should Zoom sometime..." That's something I'm going to work on.

Week six is the final week of this challenge, but because I signed up for the full Winter Warrior package, I have the Love Run challenge coming up! No rest for me!

ABK

Zooma Holiday Challenge, Week 4

Week four is in the books! Let's jump right into the recap, shall we?

Is anyone curious what my magnets say?

Movement 1: To start this week, I completed a Peloton arm workout and Coach Marcia's ab workout for runners. The arm workout stayed with me the rest of the week, and the ab workout reminded me that I have been neglecting my core. 

I was pleased to build in some strength workouts this week because I tend to skip them in favor of running.

Movement 2: Despite feeling less than excited about it, I did an easy three miles around Greenlake. Of course, once I was done I felt great. That's always how it goes. It was chillier this week, so getting myself out of sweatpants and into running clothes was a feat in and of itself.

The cold weather and flat route made for a speedy run! I am definitely seeing my paces improve, even on hills.

Movement 3: I took a field trip to use the Peloton and completed a 30 minute ride with way more climbs than I was ready for! I ordered myself a gently-used pair of cycling shoes and they should get here in a few days; I'm looking forward to being able to come out of the saddle correctly.

Movement 4: I planned to run four hilly miles, but Matt was planning to hang out at a new-to-me park, so I joined him. It was by far the coldest run I've done here (41°) but not the coldest I've ever done (39° in Cleveland). I felt pretty good physically but spent the entire run worried I'd lost the path and uncertain about how I'd find my way back to my car.

I got to wear my new hat a friend made me. It's designed so I can pull my ponytail through the back!

The views were gorgeous, winding down through tree-filled valleys and up to beachside cliffs that overlook the Sound, and I'm looking forward to trying this one again when I'm in a better mindset. The trail was definitely hilly and steep in places, so I felt like I got a good workout in.

Movement 5: I finished the week much how I began it, with arms and abs. This time I kept it simple and just completed two Peloton workouts.

Self-Care 1: As usual, I'm doing my nails weekly to give myself 30 minutes of focused quiet time. I actually did them twice this week.

Self-Care 2: On Friday night, Matt and I went to Scott and Robby's to make a latke dinner. I really loved being able to share my traditions with them and feeding people is definitely my love-language, so I was beyond happy.

We've been home to light the candles for Chanukah every night this week. This year I've been trying to get back to my roots a bit, and observing this holiday that celebrates resilience and chutzpah feels a lot like self-care. 

Surprisingly, instead of feeling burnt out at the end of week four, I feel weirdly balanced. I don't feel stressed about getting my "movement" done and I like choosing which days I'll move and what exactly I'll do. I feel like I've gotten into a good, sustainable rhythm; I'm looking forward to continuing!

ABK

Passover Photos & Recipes

Even though Passover was last Monday, we had our Seder on Saturday. This year my aunt and uncle joined us, so we had a full house! It was really fun to host this year, as usual.

Steph and Gordon came in Friday night. They made the matzah ball soup on Saturday morning and then went paddling with Matt while I kept an eye on the brisket.

When I went to buy brisket this week, Publix was cleared out! The butcher told me some lady had come in earlier that day and bought seven. Who does that?! I was able to pick some up at another Publix nearby. I bought about 6.5lbs for the nine of us.

Brisket Recipe:

-In a large baking pan, place baby carrots, diced potatoes (I prefer the mini red skin potatoes; I use about 10), and two small onions (chopped) in a single layer.

-Put the brisket on top, fat cap up.

-Mix 8oz tomato sauce with 1.5 or 2 cups beef broth and season with pepper, salt, garlic, and seasoning to taste (I like to use an Italian mix of seasoning).

-Pour the mixture over the briskets.

-Cover tightly with tin foil and place in an oven preheated to 300 degrees. Cook for ~5.5 hours, basting every two, and allow to rest for 30-60 minutes before eating.

You know it's done when the brisket is super fork-tender...No knife necessary!

While that cooked, I did a quick workout and then did my hair and makeup for the first time in months.

Then I set the table. As usual, my grandparents sent us a beautiful flower arrangement for the centerpiece.

We added a little plastic table to the end to make space for everyone!

Our Seders are very casual and seem to get shorter every year. I use the Haggadah we've had my entire life, where my dad highlighted the portions we read and wrote notes in the margins. We skip a lot of it and just focus on the "important stuff": the story of Passover, the Seder plate, the plagues, and how the lessons of Passover are still relevant in fighting oppression today.

Honestly, when you look at the state of the world today, I feel like Passover gets more and more significant every year.

As usual, mom made her amazing charoset. She also tried her hand at homemade horseradish, and it was singe-your-nose-hairs level spicy.

For dessert, we had the usual flourless chocolate cake I make every year. It's super easy and always a crowd-pleaser.

Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe:

-Heat 1/2 cup water, 3/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.

-Melt 18oz bittersweet chocolate in a microwaveable bowl, then pour into a mixing bowl.

-While mixing, chop 1 cup of butter into tablespoons and slowly add to the chocolate, one piece at a time.

-Add the sugar-water-salt mixture, still stirring.

-Finally, add 6 eggs, one at a time, to the mixture.

-Place a well-oiled 8"-10" cake pan in a large pan filled halfway with water. (I like to also use parchment paper in the cake pan because de-panning this cake is the hardest part.)

-Pour the batter into the cake pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 45 minutes. It will still look soft in the center. Chill in the fridge overnight.

The easiest way to de-pan the cake is to cut along the edges, then dip the bottom of the pan into hot water, invert the pan onto a plate and bang the bottom until you feel it loosen.

It's so rich and fudgy, a thin slice is plenty, and it pairs very well with ice cream.

This is my favorite holiday of the year! I love hosting, and each year I feel a little more confident in my cooking. I hope next year my cousins can come, too; then we'll have a full house and will need a second table!

Happy Passover from all of us!

ABK

Chag Sameach & Happy Hanukkah!

It's rare that Hanukkah falls so late in December that it overlaps Christmas. It's even rarer that it begins on Christmas Eve, but this year, that's the case!

Matt and I are spending this evening making latkes, exchanging gifts, lighting the candles, and seeing my family.

Growing up, we got one present a night. My parents would always give us our biggest gift on the first night, but then we were allowed to choose what to open. We'd line up our gifts in the living room and wait impatiently for dad to get home from work so we could light the candles (the holiday begins at sundown, so I never minded Daylight Savings and early evenings!) and open gifts.

Here's a picture of my siblings and me celebrating Hanukkah in 1995. Be nice.

The best Hanukkahs were the ones when my sister and I both loved American Girl dolls. We'd circle everything we wanted in the catalogue and then each night we'd get a new accessory for our dolls. These days, we don't get eight gifts, but it's nice to continue the other traditions.

Matt isn't Jewish, but he likes celebrating with us. When he first did Hanukkah with us, I wrote down the prayers (which are said in Hebrew) phonetically for him, but now he remembers them by heart. I'm very proud.

If you don't know much (or anything) about Hanukkah, Mental Floss did a nice little write-up on some of the important (and less-important) aspects of the holiday.

Finally, I thought I'd leave you all with this, which made me laugh because it's just so damn accurate:

I hope you all have a joyous holiday, however you celebrate!

What are your holiday plans?
Do you have any unique traditions for the holidays?

ABK

Weekly Workouts 11/21-11/27

Monday: Because of our aborted long run on Sunday, we used Monday to run our usual 4 miles on the bridge. I felt much better and the run went well. I'm not sure why I felt so sluggish on Sunday, but luckily whatever it was passed.

Tuesday: I created an upper body circuit that absolutely killed us. It looks easy enough, but my arms (specifically my triceps) were still sore four days later!

My left arm literally buckled and I face-planted during my last round of shoulder-taps.

Wednesday: We didn't have work, so we made up the missed long run. 11 miles at a 10:26 pace. This is Elizabeth's longest run to date and it went really well! I felt strong; a little ready to be done toward the end, but we didn't need to walk or slow our pace.

I don't know why the quality of this photo is so awful. Maybe my camera lens was sweaty?

We walked once at 6.2 miles (I ate a Gu) and once at 7.5 (water/bathroom). Otherwise we just kept it moving!

Thursday: Thanksgiving! I rested and ate a whole bunch of food.

Three pies, cupcakes, carrot cake...In our house, we only eat dinner so we can have dessert.

Friday: 4 miles. In my parents' neighborhood there's one decent hill so I made sure to incorporate it into my run twice, in lieu of the bridge. Elizabeth sent me her splits and they were insane. She's getting fast! I think I may be slowing her down these days!

Saturday: Stretching, planks, rolling...just an easy recovery day.

Charlie got in on my workout, too.

I was also the guest Instagrammer on Skirt Sports on Saturday, so that was really fun! If you didn't get to see my posts, you can still go on their account and catch up.

Sunday: Unplanned rest day. I was supposed to run 9 miles but visiting friends, traveling home, doing laundry, and grocery shopping had to be prioritized.

Total mileage: 19

Considering the mid-week long run and the fact that this was a holiday week, I feel pretty good about my workouts!

Did you have a good week and a good holiday?

ABK

4th of July & Upriver Ceramics

This year's 4th of July celebration was extra special because it marked the official opening of Upriver Ceramics to the public! I've been calling it the "grand opening" but Matt thinks this was more of a "soft opening." Either way, we were there, we had visitors, we made contacts...it was a good day!

 The city where Matt's studio is located hosts a festival for the Fourth every year; the renters at the cottages are expected to be at all city-hosted events, so this was the first time Matt would be opening his doors to the public. Knowing this, he's been spending a ton of time getting the studio ready.

We spent the morning putting up cards with the pieces' names and prices; we rearranged some of his work to make the space more conducive to visitors. Then, we brought his throwing wheel out under his awning and enjoyed the day.

The festivities (food trucks, ice cream, music, and games) began around 4pm. There was lightning in the area and things kept getting closed down until the "all clear" was given, which was great for us because people wandered our way while they waited for danger to pass.

Quite a few people sat down to watch Matt work on the wheel. (Little kids were especially interested and I gave a few guided tours of the studio and answered all kinds of questions the way only teachers can.)

He had a lot of interest in the mugs he's been working on for his Kickstarter backers.

Our friends Justin and Jessica hung out for most of the day (James and Rhonda also stopped by earlier). All told, Matt was there from 8:30 until 10, and I was there from 11:30 onward, so it was a long but gratifying day.

Matt let Justin try out the wheel and it was pretty hilarious.

Although Matt didn't sell any pieces, there were a good number of people interested in commissioning pieces, and everyone took a business card. It was so gratifying to hear them as they entered the studio; everyone was surprised and impressed with the detail and obvious skill evident in Matt's work.

The space looks very official now that all the pieces have their titles and prices listed.

He's still working primarily on Kickstarter awards, but I know he's really anxious to get to work on larger projects.

If you want to follow along as Matt continues to make progress, here are his Instagram, website, and Facebook accounts.

What is your favorite kind of art?
What did you do for July 4th?

ABK