Tu B’Shevat, or New Year for the Trees, is coming up. Although it’s still pretty cold here, this holiday marks the start of spring in Israel. One way that some people celebrate is by eating foods from the “Seven Species,” foods that were grown in ancient Israel. The Seven Species are wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates.
Use the meal plan below to introduce your family to all seven species throughout the day. And if you're looking for one recipe that features all seven together, make these awesome muffins from Tori Avey.
Breakfast
Looking for something simple and portable for breakfast? Whole-wheat waffles spread with fig jam or fruit kebabs featuring grapes and a side of yogurt, are a great way to kick off the day. Add a side of pomegranate juice and you're ready to rock. Here are some other quick recipes you can try to get the kids moving in the morning:
Lunch
Quick and easy is the name of the game with these recipes. They're guaranteed to please little palates as well as grown-ups and each recipe is perfect for packing in a school lunch. If you're in a rush and want to go the "semi-homemade" route, grab a bagged salad kit from your local supermarket.
Dinner
Whole wheat pasta or bread is an easy way to sneak in wheat. Barley soups or beef and barley stew in a slow cooker is another easy, quick, way to make a hearty meal that rounds out your day of tasting the Seven Species. You can also try swapping in barley for macaroni in a mac and cheese recipe. For more ideas check out:
Snack
Some great snacks to pack on Tu B'Shvat include frozen grapes, pomegranate seeds or juice, whole-wheat crackers, olive snack packs, green olive hummus, or one of the following:
Both of these recipes from Weelicious involve less than five ingredients and are super easy to make!
Looking for a book about Tu B'Shvat? Find our full list here.
Are you making anything special for Tu B'Shevat? Share your photos with us on Facebook and email info@pjlibrary.org.uk.
February 6, 2017