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Tasting by the Book 2 returning this fall! By Library Trustee, Carol Rubel

Tasting by the Book 2 returning this fall! By Library Trustee, Carol Rubel

September 1, 2016

Tasting by the Book, a new concept in fundraising, arrived at the Abington Community Library in October 2015. Resoundingly successful, the event will make a return appearance again this October!

Sharing special food delicacies prepared by local donating cooks not only guaranteed a marvelously varied array of appetizers, entrees and desserts for folks to graze on…but also introduced some unusual and delicious specialty food items to the crowd.

Orna Clum, creator of the classic Jewish cookie,Hammentashen, shares her reasons for loving our library…as well as her experience in finding family roots and history through traditional and ceremonial foods.

Orna’s story:

“While cleaning out my grandfather’s house after his passing, I found a cookbook titled “The Jewish Homemakers’  Book”. It covered explanations… as well all prayers… for every Jewish holiday. In the back of the book I found this recipe for homentashen- a traditional cookie made during the Jewish holiday of Purim.

At Christmas time I was preparing cookies for gifts and realized this is the perfect Christmas cookie. Colorful and really delicious.
I spent many days at the library when my boys were little and felt this fundraiser was a great way to support the library and share something I love to make.”

Orna’s recipe (via her grandfather’s book collection!) is:

Hamentashen

4 eggs

1 cup oil

1-1/4 cups sugar

2 tsp vanilla

3 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

5-1/2 cups flour ( approx.)

Beat eggs, beat in oil, vanilla, baking powder and salt. Add flour gradually, mix thoroughly. Knead until smooth enough to roll on floured board.  Roll out. Cut 3” – 4” rounds.  Place desired filling on each round. ( You can use apricot, poppy, cherry, raspberry, prune, nut…)Pinch together sides to make triangles. Place on lightly greased baking sheet( I use parchment paper) and bake at 350 degrees for ½ an hour or until golden brown( mine are good in 25 minutes- depends on your oven)

Recipe from: Guide for the Jewish Homemaker

If you would like to participate in the next Tasting By The Book, please contact the library and one of the co-chairs, Angela Weinberg or Amanda Sheptak, will respond promptly to you.