Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


Braised short ribs are tender, savory, hearty, and the meat just falls off the bone. A perfect Shabbat or holiday meal.
The Backstory: Braised short ribs sound much more complicated to cook than they really are and truth be to[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: I haven’t had roast duck in years. Whenever I see this on a menu I immediately think of my mother-in-law, Marcia. Marcia wasn’t the best cook in the world. She didn’t have to be. For the first 40 years of her[…]-READ-MORE>

Jodi’s cinnamon rolls are sticky, sweet, and pull-apart delicious with raisins, pecans, and melty brown sugar. What could be bad?
The Backstory: My son, Morgan and I recently whipped up a batch up of these delicious cinnamon r[…]-READ-MORE>

If you love peanut butter and chocolate than these chocolate chip peanut butter bars are your nirvana. Gooey, rich, and easy to make. Get ready to swoon.
The Backstory: My son Morgan decided today to give Mom a run for her mon[…]-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>

Old-fashioned franks and beans are a retro one-pot dish that will bring you back to your childhood.
The Backstory: I remember eating old-fashioned franks and beans during my childhood as clearly as if I just sat down and had i[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: I had never cooked a good, or for that matter, a standard roast beef that was edible. It was either too well done or under cooked. When it was over cooked I would tell my hubby “let’s have something light” for di[…]-READ-MORE>

Poached pears in fruit juice is an elegant ending to any holiday or Shabbat meal and it takes only minutes to make.
The Backstory: This delicious dessert is a perfect choice for the High Holidays, a special occasion, or anytim[…]-READ-MORE>

Creamy, mild and delicious, whitefish salad is perfect for sandwiches, as a dip, or on a crisp bed of lettuce.
The Backstory: A whole Smoked Whitefish is considered a typical Jewish food. I don’t know if this fish was introd[…]-READ-MORE>

Perfect gravy every time with this easy recipe.
The Backstory: Making a gravy can be very tricky. Too much flour, not enough liquid, incorrect seasonings, and next thing you know, you’ve got a mess on your hands. That is why[…]-READ-MORE>

Dense and moist make this cake a fan favorite!
The Backstory: This is the quintessential vanilla poundcake recipe that belongs in every cook’s collection of go-to desserts. It is absolutely scrumptious by itself, dressed […]-READ-MORE>

My Aunt Sandy’s chocolate chip mandel bread is a true classic. This delicious biscotti-like cookie combines the very best of traditional Jewish baking with everyone’s favorite cookie for a no-fail dessert that’s perfect with coffe[…]-READ-MORE>