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Stuffed Dates and PrunesHistorical:Tu Bishvat is an ancient Jewish holiday that, in biblical times, determined whether a tree was old enough for its fruit to be tithed or eaten. Every Tu Bishvat, all the trees aged one year, which is why the holiday is often referred to as “The New Year for the Trees” or the “Birthday of the Trees.” A way to celebrate Tu Bishvat is by eating the seven species. In the Bible, Israel is described as a land blessed with seven fruits and grains. The seven species are: figs, dates, pomegranates, olives, grapes, wheat and barley. The recipes below are easy and delicious ways to serve all seven species at your table. If you serve the sandwiches and dates with grape juice, you’ll be up to all of the Seven Species. Children will love helping you stuff the dates and since only a small amount of pomegranate syrup is used, you can save the rest for later. Pomegranate syrup is delightful on vanilla ice cream. Stuffed DatesDates can be stuffed with a variety of ingredients, from a simple whole almond, to nuts soaked in orange blossom water and honey. Large mejhoul dates are the ones used for special occasions and special recipes like these stuffed dates.
Stuffed PrunesA departure from more traditional stuffed foods, these stuffed prunes combine sweet and savory, and make a wonderful start to a festive meal.
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