Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


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>

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>

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>

Is there anything more joyful than gathering with family and friends to celebrate your child’s bris or baby naming? Everything seems possible and the mood is light and typically more casual than a formal holiday dinner. I like to […]-READ-MORE>

Our lightened up version of hearty potato salad is full of flavor and texture–you’ll never miss the extra fat and calories. This is your go-to summer side!
The Backstory: Did you know that everyone’s favorite summer side dish[…]-READ-MORE>

Tender dumplings in golden chicken broth are the cure for whatever ails you.
The Backstory: Kreplach, those delicious dumplings that bathe in our worshiped chicken soup, are one of the pillars of Jewish soul food. These meat f[…]-READ-MORE>

Rich, sweet, and decadent done right! Our recipe for strawberry cheese crepes takes an indulgent dessert and makes it guilt-free.
The Backstory: Every now and then I love to go all out and whip up a wow dish that’s a real sh[…]-READ-MORE>

Where to even begin? These gorgeous marzipan and apricot jam-layered cookies are a throwback to just about everyone’s childhood. How could anyone resist them? Well, you don’t have to and now you can even make them at home with our[…]-READ-MORE>

Grandma’s poppyseed cookies are thin, crisp, and buttery, and melt right in your mouth!
The Backstory: To say that my husband loves his Grandma’s poppyseed cookies would be an understatement. He loves them and he loves them de[…]-READ-MORE>

Our Rosh Hashanah honey cake is sweet and moist with a touch of whiskey for incredible depth of flavor. This is the perfect ending to your holiday meal.
The Backstory: Sponge cake usually surpasses honey cake in popularity as […]-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>

The Backstory: I first had this dish at my Aunt Lena’s house in Boston in 1948 or 1949. I was probably about 7 or 8 years old at the time. This was a very popular dairy dish that was commonly made in Kosher homes and almost alway[…]-READ-MORE>