Not Just Another Purim Basket

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Mishloach Manot is the traditional gift giving of two or more different type foods to at least two people. We perform this Mitzvah for many reasons – most significantly to ensure there is sufficient food for the Purim feast and to increase love and friendship between Jews, thereby dismissing Haman's accusations that there is strife and dissention. Purim is an ideal opportunity to repair broken relationships by sending packages to people with whom we've had ill feelings. Traditionally, however, Purim packages are sent to family, friends, neighbors, and business associates.

From soups to nutty

Mishloach Manot is given in many different forms. Home baked goods, candy platters, fruit, and lots and lots of wine bottles are just some of the things traded between friends and family. At times, you may find things have gone from the simple baskets our mothers used to hand out to elaborately themed towers of very expensive confections.

Last year, I received a huge wicker horse stuffed with everything pink and green. Impressive surely, but where someone finds a pink wrapped bottle of beer I have still to find out. The Mishloach Manot we appreciated the most was the sweetly presented deli lunch box that had a small hero sandwich, a package of chips and a can of cola. It really hit the spot after a day of running errands with no time to prepare lunch.

Get your basket back to basics

Here are a couple entertaining, classy, and easy on the pocket Mishloach Manot ideas:

• Gourmet soup basket – This year, when you make soup for your Purim or Shabbos meal, make a bigger pot! Then send out small containers of your delicious soup with a homemade "private label" along with some fantastic, fresh Italian or French bakery bread. Place everything into a simple wicker basket or even a large brown paper bag, tie a raffia ribbon around everything and viola! – a classic French style gift.
• Don't have time to make soup from scratch? Try any one of Manischewitz new gourmet soup packages for the same homemade taste without all the work.
• Cupcakes take the cake – These sweet little confections, all the rage in cafes and bakeries, are the perfect gift idea. Put four of them in a white bakery box with a simple ribbon and add an inexpensive bottle of wine. Just like that, you have a memorable and very in-style Purim gift.

For the best tasting cupcakes you've ever made, top them off with a delicious Dairy Free Chocolate or Vanilla Creamy Frosting. See our Sarah Lasry recipe section for more variations.

There are many ways you can express your Purim joy and fulfill the Mitzvah of Mishloach Manot this year without having to stress out. Remember to keep things simple and easy and think about what you would most appreciate to receive and give accordingly - Not just another Purim basket for you this year!