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Poppy Seed Filling

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Photograph by Isa Zapata.  Food styling by Susan Ottaviano.  Prop Styling by Maeve Sheridan

Honey and sugar mellow the natural bitterness of poppy seeds. For the hamantaschen recipe, see here.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes enough for about 32 cookies Servings

Ingredients

1 cup poppy seeds
½ cup honey
½ cup milk
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Special Equipment

A spice mill or a mortar and a pestle

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Finely grind poppy seeds in spice mill. Transfer to a medium saucepan and add honey, milk, lemon juice, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring often, until thickened and a spatula holds a trail when dragged across bottom of pan, about 4 minutes; stir in vanilla. Let cool.

    Step 2

    Do ahead: Filling can be made 4 days ahead. Cover and chill.

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