On the holiday of Purim, we have a custom to deliver food gifts, mishloach manot, to our friends and neighbors. Often, it is easiest to resort to packaging up candies and other shelf-stable treats, as we can prepare these gift packages ahead of time and it requires minimal effort on our part. However, I find that the mishloach manot I most recall receiving were the ones that included something homemade. Most years, I try to also prepare something homemade to give to my friends and family, as I know they will appreciate it. These are some of my favorite mishloach manot ideas, most are ones I have given and some are ones I have received:
· Freshly cooked hot dogs in buns. A huge hit and we gave this for several years in a row. Who has time to eat on Purim day? People who receive a hot dog!
· Shabbos food. -Homemade mini kugels, perfect for Shabbos or the Purim seudah (meal). Or challah and dips! Can you ever go wrong with these helpful, classic foods?
· Grab and go meals. A packaged salad, a small veggie platter, pasta salad or bagels and cream cheese. Easy foods that will make the next day’s lunch that much more pleasant.
· Deli wraps. I made these many times and they are always welcome, another perfect gift for those who are hungry on Purim day.
· Soup! I receive at least one container every Purim and am always happy for the warmth of a homemade soup.
· Pizza. This is a bit of a pain if you are making lots of pies, but it is always exciting to receive an easy-to-eat pizza on Purim.
· Cake and wine. But not store-bought cake. A homemade cake or cinnamon buns or even a trifle will be so much more appreciated. Yes, it is a dessert, but it isn’t candy or chips.
· Pretty much any other food that you could serve at your seudah, or sneak and eat before someone else gets to it. Examples from foods we have received in the past include chicken poppers, burgers, deli roll, bourekas, and Chinese food.
Many of these tasty options can be made in advance and frozen or at least made the day before. This will allow for some ease in assembling your gift packages and reduced stress on the day itself. So, consider sending less candy and instead, this year, send some real, homemade food. What would you love to receive on Purim day?
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