Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family

 

The Backstory: Whenever I make this side dish, I am reminded of the Jewish holidays. In the early years of my life, my mom always had sweet potatoes as a side dish for every special occasion. Truth be told, the sweet potatoes mo[…]-READ-MORE>

Our healthy-version recipe for glazed beef brisket is fork tender, juicy, and a perfect Shabbat or holiday main dish.
The Backstory: What would our Jewish holidays be without our beloved glazed beef brisket? Can you even imagi[…]-READ-MORE>

Juicy fruit compote is the easiest way to showcase ripe fruit or use fruit that’s about to turn overripe. Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream and enjoy!
The Backstory: Fruit Compote is one of the easiest dishes to put together[…]-READ-MORE>

Our homemade, old-fashioned white bread is a far cry from packaged white bread. It is so good, you’ll want to bake up two loaves and freeze an extra one.
The Backstory: What can I say about this classic old-fashioned white bre[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: Chicken is chicken. It seems as though there must be zillions of recipes out there. Baked, fried, boiled, braised etc. Get the picture? Practically every culture has their favorites. More of the Backstory after[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: When I think of borscht, I immediately picture my grandfather slurping up spoonfuls of this deep magenta soup, oblivious to the sounds of his own enjoyment, and smacking his lips with a satisfied “aahh” every few s[…]-READ-MORE>

Baked brie in puff pastry combine with tangy apricot preserves in this decadent (and spectacular) appetizer your guests will devour!
The Backstory: This recipe has absolutely no tie whatsoever to any Jewish folklore, story, or[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: From the first moment I set foot in Paris in the winter of 1997, I loved it the way everyone who falls in love with the City of Love (and Light) falls in love. Deeply, madly, insanely. More of the Backstory after t[…]-READ-MORE>

These are the best cream cheese brownies I’ve ever made. They’re rich, decadent, and the ultimate chocolaty treat for the brownie lovers in your life.
The Backstory: I honestly don’t have the words for my father’s expression w[…]-READ-MORE>

Who knew that chocolate chip and cherry rugelach could be so sinful? No wonder Jews have been showing up with boxes of it under their arms at every holiday and special occasion!
The Backstory: This is my all-time favorite ruge[…]-READ-MORE>

Phyllis’s chicken soup turns out a perfectly-seasoned, delicate golden broth every time. This is is my go-to recipe for holiday cooking and Shabbat meals.
The Backstory: My mother-in-law hosts the most amazing (and I mean amaz[…]-READ-MORE>

Rich, decadent, and a totally indulgent dessert when you really want to go all out.
The Backstory: Bread pudding is a rich, hearty, decadent dessert that is thought to be borne out of the age old question of what to do with le[…]-READ-MORE>