By Stephanie Smartschan
JFLV Director of Marketing

There are two things that make Ilene Ringold’s favorite hamentashen recipe extra special – the orange juice and the memories.

Ringold vividly remembers helping her young children roll out the dough and pinch the corners during Purim activity classes with Rabbi Barbara Goldman-Wartell at the JCC.

“It’s just a warm feeling it brings back,” Ringold said.

Though Rabbi Barbara, as she is universally known, has since moved out of town, Ringold and the Shalom Lehigh Valley committee of the Jewish Federation’s Women’s Division will share her recipe with a new group of Lehigh Valley women on Wednesday, March 9. The committee will host a Hamentashen Make & Take and Recipe Swap for all members of the Women’s Division, though newcomers are especially encouraged to attend. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to make new memories together as they roll and pinch and pour in their favorite fillings. Baking will take place at home. Registration is a must by March 2 to ensure that enough supplies will be on hand. Women are encouraged to send in their own favorite hamentashen recipes upon registration to be shared at the event.

Though Rabbi Barbara will not be able to attend the event, she said she is flattered that her recipe was chosen.

The rabbi said she first got the recipe from one of her sisters and remembers making it with her own daughter, now almost 30.

“When she was little, it was one of the first things we made together,” she said.

Not a baker? Not to worry. 

“It’s one of those recipes and one of those things that everybody can make and have a good time making,” Rabbi Barbara said. They can “pick their different fillings and it always comes out good.” 

Though, she said, “It’s the kind you can’t just eat one of, for better or for worse.”

The Women’s Division Hamentashen Make & Take and Recipe Swap will be held on Wednesday, March 9, at 10 a.m. at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley. Cost is $10 at the door, including all supplies. Registration is required by March 2 to 610-821-5500, mailbox@jflv.org, or online here. 

Rabbi Barbara’s Hamentashen

MIX:
½ lb. soft butter
½ cup sugar
1 egg
3 tsp vanilla
3 tbsp water or orange juice

ADD:
3 cups flour
½ tsp baking powder

Mix well with hands.

Wrap dough in wax paper and chill. Divide the dough in flour sections, roll it out and cut circles with a glass. Then fill with your choice of filling (preserves, chocolate chips, peanut butter). Pinch corners tightly.

Bake in 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes. (Makes about 40 cookies).