Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


These are the best cream cheese brownies I’ve ever made. They’re rich, decadent, and the ultimate chocolaty treat for the brownie lovers in your life.
The Backstory: I honestly don’t have the words for my father’s expression w[…]-READ-MORE>

Walk down memory lane with this creamy, rich, diner-style classic pudding.
The Backstory: I distinctly remember walking into the Caravelle Diner in Brooklyn, not too far from my dad’s bagel bakery and coming face to face with […]-READ-MORE>

Classic twice-baked cookies dressed up with candied fruit. Jewish biscotti?
The Backstory: There are so many variation of these cookies. Everyone who has ever baked Mandel Bread, will tell you that theirs is the best. And […]-READ-MORE>

Kosher beef chili is a hearty-one pot meal that will warm (and fill) you up. Add a slice of challah for dipping for a truly scrumptious meal.
The Backstory: My cousin Claire gave me a bunch of her favorite recipes and when I s[…]-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>

Chicken with apricot sauce is a perfect blend of sweet and sour and a delicious alternative to beef for a holiday feast.
The Backstory: This is one of my go-to recipes for just about any Jewish holiday as it’s always a crowd p[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: My girlfriend Gloria is an excellent cook. About 30 years ago my husband and I were invited to her home for dinner. This casserole was one of the delectable foods she prepared that night. Whatever she served wa[…]-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>

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>

Jazz up store-bought chopped pickled herring with this simple recipe in just a few minutes for a delicious side or lunch.
The Backstory: I am sure chopped pickled herring has been around since man first walked the earth, found[…]-READ-MORE>

Mom’s baked blintzes taste almost like cheesecake–they’re that decadent and delicious! Frozen cheese blintzes are baked in a creamy custard (you and make these ahead!) for the perfect dairy meal, breakfast or brunch.
The Backs[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: What is it with Jews and fiber? With an opening question like that, I can only say that I wish my father was here, because he’d have about 50 jokes, ready to go. More of the Backstory after the recipe…
Bran Muf[…]-READ-MORE>