Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


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>

If you need a perfect chocolate cake, look no further than Nana’s chocolate cake with fudge frosting. This is the one you’ve been waiting for.
The Backstory: Until I was almost seven years old, my cousin Hara and I lived side […]-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>

The Backstory: Chicken can be found in practically every culture and cuisine throughout the world, and in Jewish culture, chicken plays a special role in so many of our observances, menus, and customs. From our beautiful and maje[…]-READ-MORE>

Spinach cheese bake is a decadent, creamy dip that’s a perfect party appetizer with crackers or pita wedges.
The Backstory: I am a cheese lover. Now pair this with spinach, mushrooms and onions, and this becomes another favo[…]-READ-MORE>

Kosher crispy fish cakes are perfect as an appetizer, first course, or main dish. Don’t forget the lemon wedges!
The Backstory: This is one of those old-fashioned recipes that you’ll probably remember from childhood. These kos[…]-READ-MORE>

Perfectly seasoned steak and crisp, fresh greens combine for a delicious steak salad that’s perfect for dinner or lunch. Easy to make and healthy too!
The Backstory: When I was growing up in the 1940s and 1950s, a steak was a […]-READ-MORE>

Sweet crunchy carrots and fall spices make these delicious carrot muffins perfect anytime snacks and breakfast picks.
The Backstory: There’s just nothing like the smell of carrot muffins baking in the oven. The warm autumn aro[…]-READ-MORE>

Fresh smoked salmon is folded into fresh cream cheese in this easy, one step recipe.
The Backstory: This is without a doubt, the easiest, two-ingredient recipe in the world, but totally worth making. I know, I know, you can bu[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: This delicious sauce is one of the great French sauces that is actually a derivative of another French sauce: Hollandaise. Bearnaise uses slightly different ingredients than Hollandaise and although both may see[…]-READ-MORE>

There are many ways to make this classic side, but our crispy potato kugel is savory from green onions with a surprise topping that takes it over the edge!
The Backstory: This crispy potato kugel recipe was given to me when I[…]-READ-MORE>

Sweet carrots, almonds, nutmeg and vanilla create autumn-inspired carrot latkes that are just too good be true!
The Backstory: I don’t know where I got this Carrot Latke recipe. All I know is that any kind of latkes has to be […]-READ-MORE>