PJ Library Recipe of the Month: Winter Fruit Crisp
Tu B’Shevat is considered the New Year (or birthday) of the Tree. This holiday encourages us to strengthen our connection to the environment, and as such, is often referred to as Jewish Arbor Day or Earth Day. In Israel, Tu B’Shevat arrives along with the first signs of spring, on the fifteenth (“tu”) day of the month of Shevat.
There are many ways that families can celebrate Tu B’Shevat, which starts the evening of February 9. Here are some of our favorite activities:
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Visit the PJ Library Tu B’Shevat hub: Here you can find interactive videos like BimBam’s A Kids' Guide to Tu B'Shevat.
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Host a Tu B’Shevat seder: Enjoy the rituals of learning about seasonal produce.
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Plant a tree: You don't even need a green thumb! Children can plant virtual trees by playing Make it Grow, a free app from Jewish Interactive in collaboration with PJ Library.
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Read books about trees: PJ Library has many Tu B’Shevat-themed books for children of all ages to enjoy.
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Donate to organizations that care about trees: Tu B’Shevat is a great time to teach children about tikkun olam and involve them in helping to repair our world.
- Prepare and eat special foods: One of the most fun ways to celebrate Tu B’Shevat! By using seasonal produce, you can introduce children to fruits and vegetables that are naturally ripened, grown and picked in season, full of flavor and nutrients, and generally less pricey.
This SparkRecipes Winter Fruit Crisp uses three seasonal favorites: apples, lemons, and cranberries, and is easy enough for children to participate in preparing it.
The expression ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ certainly holds true because eating apples can help boost immunity during the winter months. Cranberries are also full of antioxidants. And lemons, although available in grocery stores all year, are at their juiciest in winter and spring.
This fruit crisp is a real winter winner, being both satisfying and healthy. Plus, it can be eaten for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Enjoy!
