Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


This velvety sweet and savory soup is the perfect first course for Thanksgiving or any festive fall meal. Add some warm crusty bread and enjoy.
The Backstory: Let me just come right out and say it: I am not a soup lover. More […]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: This delicious, fresh salad originated in the Middle East and has become a popular and welcome staple in many supermarkets and homes in the U.S. and around the world. When people migrated to other countries, thei[…]-READ-MORE>

Our Rosh Hashanah honey cake is sweet and moist with a touch of whiskey for incredible depth of flavor. This is the perfect ending to your holiday meal.
The Backstory: Sponge cake usually surpasses honey cake in popularity as […]-READ-MORE>

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>

Whether you prefer the chocolate or the vanilla side, you’ll love making these cookies at home!
The Backstory: What can I possibly say about Black and Whites except what anyone who has grown up with these cookies already feels[…]-READ-MORE>

Mom’s Perfect Kugel is my go-to kugel for every holiday. Apricot preserves, vanilla notes, and a crunchy, to-die-for topping, put it over the top. This is my most-requested recipe.
The Backstory: If you put five (or 50) Jewish[…]-READ-MORE>

Invite your friends over for this delicious aromatic cake and a steaming cup of coffee.
The Backstory: Gloria and I met in 1986. We were each on a vacation with our husbands in the Dominican Republic. I must write about the […]-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>

Gingersnap cookies are pure chewiness on the inside and golden crispiness on the outside with spicy deliciousness all around!
The Backstory: I don’t know about you, but to me, gingersnaps (done right) are just about one of th[…]-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>

A classic, old-time side that’s as delicious and flavorful as it ever was.
The Backstory: I was raised on Jewish soul foods. This included Stuffed Derma (Kishka), chopped liver, chicken soup, and a whole bunch of foods that to[…]-READ-MORE>

Soy milk cream of mushroom soup is silky, delicious and perfect for those who follow Kosher, gluten-free, or lactose-free diets.
The Backstory: Most cream of mushroom soups recipes cannot be used for Kosher meals where meat or[…]-READ-MORE>