Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


Kosher chili con carne is a zesty, hearty, one-pot meal that’s perfect for weeknights, the big game, or fall and wintry get togethers.
The Backstory: Okay, I know what you are thinking, what is a Mexican dish like Kosher chili[…]-READ-MORE>

Smoked salmon and cream cheese spirals are a savory and creamy make-ahead appetizer that everyone loves–make extra because these go fast!
The Backstory: What’s a party without the smoked salmon? These delicious two-bite noshe[…]-READ-MORE>

Chocolate and fruit are a marriage made in heaven.
The Backstory: Chocolate-covered strawberries are one of the easiest, most elegant, and definitely one of the most romantic desserts, hands down. They also take just minutes t[…]-READ-MORE>

What’s a barbeque without zesty, creamy coleslaw? Bella’s perfect coleslaw hits the right balance of creamy and tangy and takes just minutes to make.
The Backstory: This recipe comes to me from my Canadian cousin, Rhonda. Sh[…]-READ-MORE>

Orzo salad is a savory side or lunch flavored with zesty herbs, feta, crunchy almonds, and sweet tomatoes. This colorful dish is a perfect buffet go-to.
The Backstory: Truth be told, I was first introduced to orzo when I was a[…]-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>

The Backstory: What can one say about this Liver and Onion dish? When liver is mentioned some people make faces. They don’t like the name, so they won’t try it. They have no idea what they’re missing. I’ve had liver in many d[…]-READ-MORE>

Watch your guests devour this luscious and creamy cake–you won’t have a single slice left.
The Backstory: My girlfriend, Lorraine, swears by this cheesecake. She used to make it all the time. I have yet to sample hers, but sh[…]-READ-MORE>

Where to even begin? These gorgeous marzipan and apricot jam-layered cookies are a throwback to just about everyone’s childhood. How could anyone resist them? Well, you don’t have to and now you can even make them at home with our[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: First, I promise that this is a true story. When I asked my mother for her chicken soup recipe, she said: “I’ll have to measure and get back to you.” I said, “How is that possible? You’ve been making this soup for[…]-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>

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>