Hi, I'm Helen. I share easy, nutritious, seasonal, flexitarian recipes, often with a British-Jewish twist. Expect a weekly dose of delicious dinner ideas, news and positivity!
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Happy New Year - for you, and the trees π³
Published about 2 months agoΒ β’Β 3 min read
Hello my friend, and may I be the last to wish you a Happy New Year!
Sincere apologies for my prolonged absence. I had hoped to be back with you at the start of January, refreshed after my Chanukah break. Unfortunately, I have instead been ill, and not fit to do much for the last few weeks. Hopefully I am now on the road to recovery. Not a great start to the year, but at least it can only get better!
But enough of that. Tu B'Shevat - the Jewish New Year for trees - is just around the corner, on Monday 2 February. This joyful day is said to be when the sap begins to rise inside the trees, readying them to burst into buds and blossoms. And in honour of the occasion, we feast on all the fruits that they lavish upon us. ππππππ
Tu B'Shevat traditions
Traditionally, we try to eat at least 15 different fresh and dried tree-grown fruits and nuts. My family has always been quite informal about proceedings, but if you'd like to add some ritual to your fruity feast, check out the Tu B'Shevat seder. With roots in the Jewish mysticism of the 16th century, it comes complete with readings, prayers and even four cups of wine.π·
Tu B'Shevat has also become a day to consider our world and the impact we have on it. The festival highlights our role as stewards of nature, and the important links between our culture, spirituality, and the natural cycles of the Earth.
These delicious sweet and savoury recipes all feature tree-grown fruit and nuts, and are perfect as part of a Tu B'Shevat seder menu, or whenever you fancy!
βEasy vegan carob cupcakesβ βCarob pods are traditionally eaten on Tu B'Shevat, but can be hard to come by. These quick and easy cupcakes use carob powder, which is much easier to find! They have a rich, sweet and fragrant flavour that is quite delicious.
βSavoury cheese and olive muffinsβ Yes, olives are a fruit! These deliciously savoury muffins are lovely with soup, as a snack, or as a great addition to picnics and packed lunches.
βSeven Species granola barsβ These scrumptious flapjacks/granola bars combine the Biblical seven species of Eretz Yisrael - including dates, grapes, figs, pomegranates and olives - into a tasty, nutritious snack.
βPomegranate and freekeh salad with herbsβ βGrainy salads are always lovely and this fabulous variation uses smoky freekeh and zingy pomegranate with loads of flavoursome fresh herbs.
βGrilled peach salad with pecans and fetaβ A wonderful mix of sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours. This salad combines luscious grilled peaches, fragrant toasted nuts, feta cheese and crisp lettuce in a delicious salad.
βCoconut and lemon yogurt cakeβ This moist, aromatic cake is made with olive oil for extra richness. It has a terrific flavour of fresh lemons and coconut.
βGrandma's dried fruit compoteβ Succulent dried fruits poached in a spiced syrup, Grandmaβs dried fruit compote makes a delicious dessert or a healthy, nutritious breakfast.
Wishing you and yours a very Good Shabbos - Shabbat Shalom! - and may it bring peace, good health, and happiness for everyone.
With love, Helen x.
PS A small favour please... I'm still not 100% so if you were able to help me out by sharing a link to your favourite family-friends-food.com recipe on social media (or via email, WhatsApp, etc etc) that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much π₯°
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Family, friends and food are three of lifeβs most important things. Letβs celebrate them!
Hi, I'm Helen. I share easy, nutritious, seasonal, flexitarian recipes, often with a British-Jewish twist. Expect a weekly dose of delicious dinner ideas, news and positivity!
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