RFCJ RECIPE ARCHIVE
Posted by : Challah with Icing: Kalisch - pareve
Purim has always been a mystery to me since all these holidays were not explained to me and have been for other families that were religious. I researched this and this is what I found which I would like to share with all those interested. Feast of Lots Sometimes called the Feast of Esther. Purim joyously celebrates the downfall of the tyrant, Haman, through the efforts of Mordecai and his niece, Queen Esther. A very happy festival, Purim is the occasion of present-giving, plays, and dressing- up for children, games and great merry-making. The waving of the noisy Purim gregars (rattles) is traditional and at the festival meal the foods would include the Purim Kalisch (decorated sweet plaited loaf) taking place of honor at the festive meal , and Hamantaschen, triangular pastries filled with poppy seeds, and bobs (brown beans). I have made all of the above recipes. It tastes like my Grandmother's baking. Unfortunately, these recipes were found from an old cookbook in the archive section of a library. My Grandmother's recipes were in her head and not written down. I urge everyone to write or perhaps make a disk of family favorites that your younger generations will enjoy. Thanks for reading! Wannabechef * * * * * * * * Purim Kalisch 1 oz. (1 cake compressed yeast) OR 1/2 oz. (4 teaspoons) dried yeast 1 tablespoon warm water 1 teaspoon sugar 1 lb. (4 cups) plain (all purpose) strong flour 1 teaspoon salt 2 oz. (1/4 cup) sugar 2 oz. (1/4 cup) non-dairy margarine 2 eggs warm water to mix glace' icing 4 tablespoons icing (confectioners') sugar and water to make a thin paste Mix together the yeast., water, and 1 teapoon sugar, leave until bubbly. Mix together the flour, salt, and sugar. Rub in the margarine. Mix the eggs with the yeast mixture. Pour this mixture into the center of the flour and using warm flour, if necessary, make into a stiff dough. Beat well. Knead on a board until smooth. Divide into 4 pieces. Knead each, and roll into long strips and plait together. Or, alternatively, divide into two pieces , rolling each into a strip about 14 in. long. Place across one another on a board. Then take the two opposite ends of each strip , cross them over in center. Cross each strip alternately three times. Gather short ends together and lay the plait on its side. Brush with water. Place on greased tin, and slip into a greased polymer bag. Leave in a warm place until doubled in size. Bake in a 400 degree oven for about 30-40 minutes until loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Brush with thin glace' icing.
