Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


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>

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: For over 50 years I have been making this casserole and I know that many, many people make it for Thanksgiving, but my father loved it all year round. I have prepared this for almost every holiday dinner that he at[…]-READ-MORE>

These are not your bubbie’s prunes–they are sweeter and absolutely delicious!
The Backstory: I have a clear and fond memory of my grandparents at their kitchen table in Brooklyn, and my grandmother serving stewed fruit to my […]-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>

Creamy potatoes layered over zesty beef in a savory tomato sauce make Mom’s Shepherd’s Pie comfort food the whole family will enjoy.
The Backstory: Shepherd Pie, is one of my mom’s Summer Specials. That is the only time she […]-READ-MORE>

Baked brie in puff pastry combine with tangy apricot preserves in this decadent (and spectacular) appetizer your guests will devour!
The Backstory: This recipe has absolutely no tie whatsoever to any Jewish folklore, story, or[…]-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>

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>

Flourless chocolate cake is our top pick chocolate dessert for anytime you want to wow a crowd with dense, chocolaty goodness. Need we say more?
The Backstory: I first made flourless chocolate cake when my husband and I were f[…]-READ-MORE>

Nutty, buttery, and truly addicting, our cinnamon almond brittle is crunchy, sweet, and packed with nuts and cinnamon. You won’t be able to stop nibbling!
The Backstory: Recently my friend Lorraine gave me a recipe for Torrone[…]-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>