Tu B’Shevat, the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat, marks the “New Year” for the trees. We celebrate by eating fruit, specifically the kinds that the Torah mentions that the Land of Israel is known for: grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates.

So, I’ve created a fun and delicious way to welcome this “New Year” for the trees.


The ingredients are simple, and the results will not only make you smile but will fill any craving you may have had! Consider this somewhat of a plated Tu B’Shevat fondue!

Here’s what you’ll need:


(Amounts will vary depending on how many plates you wish to make, but this will be enough for at least four.)

  • 1 box cornflakes
  • 1 pomegranate
  • 1 bunch green grapes
  • 1 box fresh figs
  • 1 box dried dates
  • 1 bag mini-marshmallows
  • 1 container Duncan Hines (kosher) chocolate frosting
  • Sprinkles or mini-white chocolate chips
  • 1 freezer-size Ziploc bag
  • Scissors
  • Sharp knife
  • Chopstick or skewer (or similar pointed utensil)
  • 4 plates (or one large rectangle platter)

Choose a set of 4 plates, or even a long rectangle platter if you wish to create one large masterpiece of all four seasons.

Fill a Ziploc bag with the chocolate frosting, squeeze out the extra air and snap the bag shut.

Snip off one corner of the bag in order to pipe the frosting and draw your tree.


Draw the basic tree template, trunk, roots, branches and twigs as you wish. You can fix up any frosting by using the chopstick or skewer, swirling designs into your “trunk” and adding details in the branches.

To make the spring tree, carefully add pomegranate seeds to your branches and to the “ground.”


To make the summer tree, slice the figs and grapes into wedges, and layer them decoratively into palm branches.


To make the fall/autumn tree, carefully scatter cornflakes around the branches and on the “ground.” Then add a few more cornflakes to make it look like the leaves are falling.


To make the winter tree, cut mini-marshmallows in half and place them on and around the branches, spacing them apart to create a wintry look.


Feel free to add a snowman by cutting another fig in half, preferably using half of a smaller fig for the head. Use the end of the fig that has a stem, so it will act as a nose. Add eyes, mouth and arms by piping more chocolate frosting. For the eyes, use white sprinkles or mini-white chocolate chips.


To add some detail to the trunk of the trees, simply slice a date in half and place it carefully on the trunk. This adds a nice touch and dimension.

To set this up for a Tu B’Shevat gathering or for young children, put out all your ingredients and pre-fill the Ziploc bags with frosting. Allow the children to design their own trees and choose which “seasonal ingredients” they want to decorate with.


Wishing everyone a beautiful Tu B’Shevat!