These pastries are synonymous with Purim, and given that there are conflicting explanations of what they symbolize, it’s highly recommended that you eat at least one for every possible reason (just to be safe).

The simplest and most literal translation for the word is that it refers to “Haman’s Tash” (the Yiddish word for “pocket”), which held in it the money to bribe Achashverosh for his evil plans. Other versions suggest that the shape of the cookies signify his hat’s shape or his bent ears. Regardless of which meaning you subscribe to, you can enjoy these delicious treats with the below recipe, which I received from a family friend.