Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


No matter how fancy or casual your party, the fun doesn’t start without homemade pigs in a blanket–a traditional fan favorite!
The Backstory: Let’s be honest with each other: no matter how fancy the shindig or how high-end the […]-READ-MORE>

Sweet fresh fruit kebabs and a creamy dip make for a fun, fresh and delicious party appetizer.
The Backstory: Fruit plates, fruit platters and fruit bowls have come a long, long way since our grandmothers scooped out half a wa[…]-READ-MORE>

Tuna stuffed tomatoes are a great way to jazz up tuna and deliver a wow presentation! They make a beautiful display on a buffet table and can be made ahead.
The Backstory: The first time I made tuna stuffed tomatoes, I really […]-READ-MORE>

Roasted garlic is a delicious way to enjoy the cousin of the onion and shallot. Spread it on toasted French bread, Challah, or Rye, for a great party app.
The Backstory: Garlic – whether in granulated powder form or whole bulb[…]-READ-MORE>

Blini with smoked salmon are elegant appetizers that hit on all fronts: salty, creamy, and perfect two bite noshes.
The Backstory: I first went to The Russian Tea Room in 1999. I was 35 years old and as a born and bred New Yor[…]-READ-MORE>

Mock chopped liver is the perfect way for non-meat eaters to enjoy this classic Jewish favorite and you can make it in minutes.
The Backstory: Mock chopped liver has absolutely nothing to do with liver. Perhaps because it lo[…]-READ-MORE>

Salad with fruit, nuts and cheese, is bursting with textures and the perfect mix of savory and sweet flavors for a fabulous lunch or first course.
The Backstory:This is my kind of salad, I love fruit, nuts and cheese and when a[…]-READ-MORE>

Ptcha is an acquired taste, but this delicious recipe is definitely a wonderful taste of the old country.
The Backstory: So what is this crazy-sounding Jewish dish that will surely test your “ch” pronunciation skills?? Ptcha i[…]-READ-MORE>

Eggplant Dip is a savory, tomato-y, slighty sweet spread that’s perfect with crusty bread, crackers, or as a dip for veggies. A perfect make-ahead dish.
The Backstory: Eggplant dip is one of my favorite, go-to appetizers when […]-READ-MORE>

Carrot and Hummus Roll Ups are savory, delicious bites that are perfect make-ahead appetizers for parties and holidays.
The Backstory: Carrot and Hummus Rolls are a delicious light bite and finger food that are perfect as a pa[…]-READ-MORE>

Cheesy artichoke dip is gooey, creamy, and golden brown right out of the oven. Guests say this dip is the life of the party!
The Backstory: When I met my good friend Kerri, little did I know she came with an added bonus: he[…]-READ-MORE>

Make perfect gefilte fish every time with this simple recipe that’s light, flavorful and foolproof!
The Backstory: Gefilte fish is just one of those things that you just have to see in the background over a period of years, so[…]-READ-MORE>