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On Purim, it’s customary to send to family and friends baskets or parcels of food and wine (called “Mishloach Manot” in Hebrew and “Shalach Manos” in Yiddish). Below are a few easy, but elegant tips for taking part in this tasty tradition:

• For stylish containers, check out flea markets for vintage plates, baskets, or bowls, or use bargain dishware from a discount store. Once assembled with goodies, wrap with colored cellophane and secure with a ribbon (or a fresh flower tucked into a rubber band for a bit of springtime fancy)
• Traditionally, the basket should include 2 different types of ready-to-eat foods. For a couple of nutty ideas, try making Nut Torte and Nut Cookies
• Include something your friends and families may not have tried before. Two new product options to consider are Manischewitz 8 oz. Concord Grape Juice (purple) or 8 oz. Niagara Grape Juice (White)
• Other food items to consider including are fruit, honey, olive oil, crackers, apple butter, tea, and wine.
• To add life to the parcel, include a small bunch of fresh herbs or fresh flowers. To keep fresh, moisten a paper towel, wrap it around the bottom of the herbs or flowers, slip into a small plastic bag (or use your colored cellophane) and secure with a rubber band or ribbon
• Keep a couple of extra assembled baskets on hand so you can reciprocate any “surprise” baskets you receive
• Be sure to deliver a basket to someone who is elderly, sick or otherwise needy – an important part of the tradition. Encourage older children to deliver the basket dressed in their Purim costume to delight the recipient even more
• Don’t forget to include a card so people will know it was you who sent such a lovely basket

next article: Purim Shopping List >