1/4 lb. poppy seed, ground
1/2 c. sugar or honey
1/2 c. white raisins, optional
1/4 c. chopped nuts, optional
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

If desired, cook poppy seed in water to cover until liquid is absorbed. Add all remaining ingredients; use as filling for Hamentashen or cookies.

APRICOT FILLING:

1/2 lb. dried apricots
1 1/2 c. water
3/4 to 1 c. sugar, to taste

Cook apricots in water until very soft. Mash or process in electric blender. Add sugar; simmer until thick, about 10 minutes. Cool before using as filling.

PRUNE FILLING:

1 lb. prunes
Water
1/4 c. chopped walnuts
Juice and grated rind of 1 lemon
1/4 to 1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. raisins

Cook prunes until very soft. Remove pits. Chop prunes with nuts or process in blender. Add remaining ingredients; cool before using as filling.

NOTE: For a shortcut, use commercially prepared "Lekvar" prune butter.