Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


The Backstory: I am always looking for what I call my diet foods. Veggies are always a good source for weight loss and this traditional French dish can be used both ways. When I top it off with a sprinkle of grated mozzarella o[…]-READ-MORE>

Who doesn’t love a good cheese Danish? Now you can make them at home.
The Backstory: Oh, how my father loved a good cheese danish. The sweeter, the better. The more icing, the better. The fresher and more able to pull apart (t[…]-READ-MORE>

Potato salad with vinegar is a delicious and tangy side for burgers, chicken, hot dogs, and sandwiches. This zesty dish is ideal for Kosher cooking.
The Backstory: This potato salad with vinegar is an ideal side dish for anyon[…]-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>

Fresh, tangy, and perfect as a side to just about any meal, our marinated cucumber salad beats any store bought version and is light, healthy and refreshing.
The Backstory: You know all those pre-made salads and sides at your […]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: Since I hadn’t made this dish in decades, I reached out to one of my Mah Jongg players for a good recipe for Salmon Croquettes. They unanimously led me to Debbie. Debbie likes to cook and I understand, prepares s[…]-READ-MORE>

There are many ways to make this classic side, but our crispy potato kugel is savory from green onions with a surprise topping that takes it over the edge!
The Backstory: This crispy potato kugel recipe was given to me when I[…]-READ-MORE>

Fall fruits and warm cinnamon combine in this classic but lighter version of apple cranberry cobbler. Be ready to swoon.
The Backstory: This fruit-filled cobbler is a perfect dessert for the High Holidays, Thanksgiving, Chanuk[…]-READ-MORE>

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>

Sweet tomatoes, poached eggs, and delicious herbs and spices are the hallmarks of Shakshouka, a popular Israeli dish that’s perfect at any meal.
The Backstory: I first had this deliciously savory egg and tomato dish at my in-[…]-READ-MORE>

Grandma Gertie’s almond cake is an old-fashioned cake that’s light with note of almond and lemon. This gorgeous cake is perfect with coffee or tea.
The Backstory: Today, Mother’s Day 2017, my mother gave me a beautiful Mother'[…]-READ-MORE>

A foolproof, go-to recipe for cakes and cupcakes-it never fails!
The Backstory: Baking is by far, my favorite thing to do in the kitchen. It might have something to do with growing up in my dad’s bagel bakery, surrounded by ca[…]-READ-MORE>