Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


An old-fashioned, chocolaty classic that deserves its place in history. It’s. That. Good.
The Backstory: There must be something wrong with me because I’m physically restraining myself from getting out of this chair, baking th[…]-READ-MORE>

This velvety sweet and savory soup is the perfect first course for Thanksgiving or any festive fall meal. Add some warm crusty bread and enjoy.
The Backstory: Let me just come right out and say it: I am not a soup lover. More […]-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 sausages are savory and incredibly versatile for BBQ, casseroles, or boiled. Serve with all the fixings for a delicious lunch or casual dinner.
The Backstory: I never once bought sausages before I lived on Staten I[…]-READ-MORE>

Shirlee’s sugar cookies are truly melt-in-your mouth perfect butter cookies that are impossible to put down after just one bite. These are delicious with coffee, tea, or tucked inside a lunch box. Decorate them for showers, Bar or[…]-READ-MORE>

Orzo salad is a savory side or lunch flavored with zesty herbs, feta, crunchy almonds, and sweet tomatoes. This colorful dish is a perfect buffet go-to.
The Backstory: Truth be told, I was first introduced to orzo when I was a[…]-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>

The Backstory: My cousin Rhonda sent me this recipe– it’s her mother’s. I can imagine her mom serving this on Friday night for the Sabbath. This is one of those dishes that were very common among Jewish cooks of a certain ge[…]-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: Stuffed peppers is one of those dishes that can be served in a variety of settings. Serve it for lunch or dinner with crusty bread (to mop up the delicious sauce). Stuffed Peppers also looks beautiful on a buffet t[…]-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>

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>