Why This Recipe:

A traditional Purim Se’udah, or Purim feast will feature meat and wine, because both Haman’s and Vashti’s downfall occurred during a wine feast. Foods with beans or seeds are served because Esther lived as vegetarian to remain kosher while in the palace. The Purim theme of "finding what is hidden" is often represented by stuffed or pocket foods.

Since many of the Purim recipes include stuffed or pocket foods, this is a great opportunity to explore the sense of taste with your students.

• Create treats with a variety of fillings and have students compare and contrast the flavors and textures of the different tastes.
   
• Make a chart with pictures of the different fillings and have students choose their favorite and/or least favorite fillings.
   
• Have students (blindfolded or with their eyes closed) try to identify different flavors (for example, different types of hamentashen), by only using their sense of taste.

Here are recipes for Purim turnovers, stuffed figs/prunes and humus that you prepare for your Purim feast:

A. Purim Turnovers

Ingredients:
Frozen kosher pastry squares Filling (ask the children what they might like to "hide" in the pastry-- jelly or mashed potatoes are delicious choices for fillings)

Directions:

Stuff and prepare as directed on the package.

Note: Since the Purim feast is traditionally a meat meal, we have not included dairy fillings. If preparing this recipe for use by itself or as part of a dairy meal, try filling the pastry squares with feta cheese and spinach or other dairy options.

B. Stuffed Figs or Prunes

Ingredients:

• Dried figs or pitted prunes Walnuts or almonds
• Dried coconut (optional)

Directions:

1. Slice open the fig or a pitted prune.
2. Add a walnut half or an almond.
3. Close the fig/prune and roll in shredded coconut (optional).

C. Humus-

Ingredients:

• 1 can of kosher chick peas
• Lemon juice, salt, pepper and garlic to taste
• Olive oil

Directions:

1. Drain chick peas.
2. Mash chick peas.
3. Add lemon juice, salt, pepper and garlic to taste.
4. Mix ingredients and add enough olive oil to blend to a smooth consistency.

Note: For another tasty chick pea treat, drain a can of kosher chick peas. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and enjoy!