Sweet Traditions: The Art of Making Poppy Seed Triangles

The Magic of Blue Poppy Seeds

The blue poppy seed is the star of the show, adding a unique flavor and texture to the filling. To ensure the best results, look for high-quality blue poppy seeds and mohn (ground poppy) in specialty stores or online marketplaces that cater to German, Russian, and central European cuisine. It’s essential to buy in small quantities from stores with high turnover or reputable spice purveyors.

Crafting the Perfect Filling

To create the filling, follow these steps:

1. Soak the blue poppy seeds in boiling water overnight.
2. Drain and grind them finely using a meat grinder, special poppy seed grinder, or coffee grinder.
3. Cream together butter and honey, adding heavy cream, coarsely ground walnuts, golden raisins, and grated orange zest.
4. Mix in the ground poppy seeds and chill the filling before using.

The Dough: A Delicate Balance

To make the dough, follow these steps:

1. Cream together butter and sugar, beating in an egg until smooth.
2. Sift flour with baking powder and salt, then stir half of the mixture into the creamed mixture.
3. Beat in orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla, followed by the remaining flour mixture.
4. Chill the dough until firm to ensure easy handling.

Assembling the Triangles

To assemble the triangles, follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Roll out the dough to a thickness of slightly more than 1/4 inch.
3. Cut into 3-inch rounds.
4. Dot each round with a teaspoonful of poppy seed filling.
5. Fold up the edges on three sides to form open triangles.
6. Place on baking sheets and bake until delicately browned, about 15 to 20 minutes.

A Sweet Tradition Worth Sharing

These poppy seed triangles are a true delight, perfect for sharing with loved ones during any celebration. With their delicate flavor and crispy texture, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. So why not give them a try and continue the sweet tradition?