She Strengthens

Sweet Traditions: The Art of Making Poppy Seed Triangles

Uncovering the Secrets of a Timeless Treat

For many, the taste of poppy seed triangles is synonymous with warm memories of family gatherings and cultural celebrations. This traditional sweet treat has been a staple in many European communities, particularly during the festive season of Purim. But what makes these delicate pastries so special?

The Magic of Blue Poppy Seeds

The star of the show is undoubtedly the blue poppy seed, which adds 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. Remember to buy in small quantities from stores with high turnover or reputable spice purveyors.

Crafting the Perfect Filling

To create the filling, start by soaking the blue poppy seeds in boiling water overnight. Drain and grind them finely using a meat grinder, special poppy seed grinder, or coffee grinder. Then, cream together butter and honey, adding heavy cream, coarsely ground walnuts, golden raisins, and grated orange zest. Finally, mix in the ground poppy seeds and chill the filling before using.

The Dough: A Delicate Balance

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

Assembling the Triangles

Preheat your oven to 350°F and roll out the dough to a thickness of slightly more than 1/4 inch. Cut into 3-inch rounds, dot each with a teaspoonful of poppy seed filling, and fold up the edges on three sides to form open triangles. 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?