Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


Blini with smoked salmon are elegant appetizers that hit on all fronts: salty, creamy, and perfect two bite noshes.
The Backstory: I first went to The Russian Tea Room in 1999. I was 35 years old and as a born and bred New Yor[…]-READ-MORE>

Phyllis’s chicken soup turns out a perfectly-seasoned, delicate golden broth every time. This is is my go-to recipe for holiday cooking and Shabbat meals.
The Backstory: My mother-in-law hosts the most amazing (and I mean amaz[…]-READ-MORE>

Invite your friends over for this delicious aromatic cake and a steaming cup of coffee.
The Backstory: Gloria and I met in 1986. We were each on a vacation with our husbands in the Dominican Republic. I must write about the […]-READ-MORE>

Try this Mississippi mud cheesecake recipe to savor the rich and delicious taste of mud cake in a chocolaty cheesecake instead!
Mississippi Mud Chocolate Cheesecake
Try this Mississippi mud cheesecake recipe to savour the […]-READ-MORE>

This dark, rich, chewy bread is in a class by itself. Perfect for Reubens, cold deli sandwiches, or just toast and butter (or cream cheese and lox), this Jewish standard is truly one of a kind.
The Backstory: Pumpernickel date[…]-READ-MORE>

Smoked salmon and caviar toasts are a delectable, elegant appetizer that will wow your guests and are easy to make. What more could you ask for?
The Backstory: The first time I had caviar was at famed The Russian Tea Room in t[…]-READ-MORE>

Aaron’s shortbread cookies are melt-in-your-mouth buttery classics, that take minutes to make and look beautiful as holiday gifts tied with a festive bow.
The Backstory: I cannot count the number of times I’ve made these butte[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: Above all else, I am a Jewish girl from Brooklyn. Looking back at the time when I was a young girl, I remember my childhood quite vividly. It was a wonderful era, from the mid 1940’s until the early 1960’s. My […]-READ-MORE>

Kosher salmon dip uses canned salmon (a fab shortcut) for an easy, make-ahead appetizer your guests will love.
The Backstory: My grandmother always had canned salmon in her pantry and I always wondered what she did with it. I […]-READ-MORE>

This is the ultimate lemon squares recipe! They are creamy, tart, sweet, and just the most perfect balance of flavors.
The Backstory: Lemon squares are by far, one of my top ten favorite desserts. As I’ve waxed poetic before, […]-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>

Our recipe for perfect pecan pie is truly foolproof, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and one of our most requested Thanksgiving recipes.
The Backstory: True confession: this dessert falls right at the top of my husband’s short l[…]-READ-MORE>