Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


The Backstory: When you really want to shake things up at the holidays, these matzoh balls are just the thing to do it. Three deliciously flavored–and easy to make varieties–spinach, turmeric, and tomato–are simply gorgeous to[…]-READ-MORE>

Our perfect cranberry sauce is sweet, tart, and the easiest side you’ll make for Thanksgiving, Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
The Backstory: What really needs to be said about everyone’s favorite Thanksgi[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: Hollandaise sauce is one of those classic and decadent toppings that have been around forever. It can turn the most basic vegetable, like grilled or sauteed asparagus, into a culinary masterpiece. Hollandaise is ri[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: Most of the meals I prepare are basic family dinners. But when I really want to “put on the dogs” (old fashion saying) for guests, I make several different main course meat dishes. More of the Backstory af[…]-READ-MORE>

It’s time to bring back the Seventies with cheese fondue! This gooey, decadent first course is a delicious party starter and sure to wow your guests!
The Backstory: When I think of Cheese Fondue my mind automatically goes back[…]-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>

Once you make this easy classic hummus from scratch, you’ll think twice before buying store-bought hummus again–it’s that delicious.
The Backstory: Easy classic hummus is surprisingly simple to make and there are very few ing[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: This simple Oven Roasted Potatoes side dish can be made with a variety of seasonings. Whatever suits your taste. But my taste for these spuds is usually rosemary and garlic. Somehow rosemary with it’s “woodsy” ar[…]-READ-MORE>

My son made this for me a few years ago. It is absolutely delicious–light, flaky and perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. I find that this method of preparing Salmon has become my favorite way of indulging in this delicio[…]-READ-MORE>

Green Beans Almondine is an elegant side dish that takes minutes to prepare and adds instant panache to your dinner table.
The Backstory: This elegant, crispy and flavorful side has to be one of the easiest vegetable dishes […]-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>

The Backstory: Recently I visited my cousin Clare’s home. She was very pleased to give me some of her recipes. She told me that she makes this soup often. The recipe is simple. I have wanted a potato soup recipe for a very lo[…]-READ-MORE>