Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


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>

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>

Just what your gefilte fish is waiting for.
The Backstory: What a funny name for a sauce. Nowhere does a horse have anything to do with this sauce. Radishes do not need any explanation. The only logic that I can think of[…]-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>

The Backstory: Just about every restaurant, delicatessen, wedding reception, dinner party or holiday gathering seems to have a fish offering these days, and most times, it’s a plain salmon dish. Well, who can get excited about th[…]-READ-MORE>

Panko, parmesan, and savory herbs and spices make these classic stuffed mushrooms full of flavor and crunch.
The Backstory: Classic stuffed mushrooms are one of the easiest appetizers to make for a large crowd–they’re inexpen[…]-READ-MORE>

Savory Swedish meatballs are served at so many Jewish simchas, you’d think we invented them! Our 20-minute recipe will have you turning them out like a pro.
The Backstory: Swedish meatballs are one of the world’s most popular […]-READ-MORE>

Give ordinary bananas a wow makeover with melted chocolate and nuts and watch your guests go wild.
The Backstory: Who doesn’t like bananas? No one I know. Now add some melted chocolate, chopped nuts, and put it all on a stic[…]-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>

Our ultimate beef brisket is juicy, fork-tender, and our favorite brisket recipe of all time. Don’t forget the challah to soak up the sweet and tangy sauce!
The Backstory: My husband Rob makes the world’s ultimate beef brisket[…]-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>

A smooth, creamy, classic that will remind you of days gone by.
The Backstory: One of the recipes that my cousin Rhonda shared with me is her famous, to-die-for rice pudding. I don’t know of one person that doesn’t like th[…]-READ-MORE>