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>

The Backstory: Growing up, my mother told me that when she was a little girl, my grandmother always cooked roasts and chicken for dinner, never hamburgers or anything made from what she called ‘chop meat’ like so many women event[…]-READ-MORE>

Crisp pastry envelops a sweet and tart cherry filling for a delectable, finger-licking dessert.
The Backstory: Strudel –any kind–has got to be one of the all-time great desserts that has been passed down from Eastern Europea[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: Recently I visited my cousin Clare. Among the many recipes she gave me one was for Chicken Divan. I love this woman. She is funny, smart and at times, well, don’t get her ire going. She stands maybe 5 feet tall[…]-READ-MORE>

Couscous and chick-pea salad is healthy, full of flavor, texture, and perfect for lunch, sides, and snacking.
The Backstory: Couscous, a delicious and healthy grain (it’s actually a tiny pasta!) made from wheat or barley, orig[…]-READ-MORE>

Our mouth-watering peanut butter squares are smooth, rich, and creamy–these are the ultimate peanut butter and chocolate treat!
The Backstory: If you’re a fan of the classic chocolate-peanut butter combo, (and let’s face it, […]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: An age old question that Jews will ask when being served this dish “Is it kugel or is it pudding?” And everyone has an opinion. It is called whatever you want it to be, depending on your age. If you come from a […]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: My cousin Rhonda, who resides in Canada, gave me this recipe. It is from her sister, Ricky. The story of my Canadian relatives go back for decades. My grandfather and Ricky’s grandmother were brother and sister[…]-READ-MORE>

Honey soy broiled salmon is sweet, savory and full of deliciously healthy ingredients. This is a perfect go-to fish meal for any occasion.
The Backstory: This is one of my all-time favorite ways to prepare salmon because it de[…]-READ-MORE>

Chicken with apricots and carrots is a comforting one-pot dish that’s perfect for company, holidays, or Shabbat dinner.
The Backstory: I recently celebrated Rosh Hashanah 2016 with family and friends at my daughter and my son-[…]-READ-MORE>

Our challah French toast is dipped in a vanilla-infused custard with egg and cinnamon and lightly fried to perfection.
The Backstory: Jewish or not Jewish, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t go weak in the knees at their first bi[…]-READ-MORE>

Healthy and delicious, Greek yogurt parfaits can jumpstart your day, (or wellness resolutions!) and are a delicious, anytime snack.
The Backstory: Yogurt has long held a place in Jewish cuisine, most notably during Shavuot, wh[…]-READ-MORE>