Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


The Backstory: There are so many varieties of kugel recipes, that it can be confusing to know which to make (and for which occasion). Between the sweet, the savory, the crunchy, the creamy, those with fruit, and those wtihout…i[…]-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>

Our fresh fruit salad has a light citrus and vanilla sauce that makes it a perfect ending to any meal or an ideal snack when you’re craving something sweet.
The Backstory: This refreshing, light, and juicy fresh fruit salad is[…]-READ-MORE>

Lemon Poppy Seed cake is sweet, tart, moist and truly melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
The Backstory: I’m a firm believer that you should be able to have your cake and not feel guilty about it. After all, life is about enjoying o[…]-READ-MORE>

Buttery pastry and sweet and nutty filling make these Hungarian pastry crescents melt in your mouth.
The Backstory: These delicious little cookies are very similar to rugelach but their texture is a little more dense. Also, un[…]-READ-MORE>

Perfectly seasoned steak and crisp, fresh greens combine for a delicious steak salad that’s perfect for dinner or lunch. Easy to make and healthy too!
The Backstory: When I was growing up in the 1940s and 1950s, a steak was a […]-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>

Inspired by my favorite German baker, our Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, nutty, and filled with a sweet berry center that will brighten up a holiday buffet table or any dessert tray. Gorgeous as a holiday gift!
The B[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: Most of the meals I prepare are basic family dinners. But when I really want to “put on the dogs” (old fashion saying) for guests, I make several different main course meat dishes. More of the Backstory af[…]-READ-MORE>

Cold raspberry soup is tart, sweet, refreshing, and a perfect first course for a summer meal. This is also a beautiful appetizer served in shot glasses on trays or even in pretty tea cups for bridal or baby shower.
The Backstor[…]-READ-MORE>

Exactly what mandel bread should be: crisp, sweet, and golden brown.
The Backstory: I met Lorraine about a year ago. She was a fill in at a Mah Jongg game. When you play Mah Jongg (or any game) with the same group of girls[…]-READ-MORE>

Nana’s perfect chopped liver is the only chopped liver recipe you’ll ever need. It’s creamy, classic, and works as a dip, spread, or filling for sandwiches.
The Backstory: My Aunt Sandy makes the most wonderful, melt-in-your-m[…]-READ-MORE>