Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


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>

The Backstory: Whenever I make this side dish, I am reminded of the Jewish holidays. In the early years of my life, my mom always had sweet potatoes as a side dish for every special occasion. Truth be told, the sweet potatoes mo[…]-READ-MORE>

Mom’s Perfect Kugel is my go-to kugel for every holiday. Apricot preserves, vanilla notes, and a crunchy, to-die-for topping, put it over the top. This is my most-requested recipe.
The Backstory: If you put five (or 50) Jewish[…]-READ-MORE>

Tender chicken, dried apricots, and a tangy sweet glaze bake to perfection to make holiday apricot chicken a sweet and savory showstopper dish.
The Backstory: What would any holiday or Shabbat dinner be without a roasted chick[…]-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>

The Backstory: The name says it all: The Reuben. If you’re a foodie, a New Yorker, or a Jew, you don’t need to hear another word. You hear “Reuben” and the world goes a little fuzzy as your brain has some kind of Pavolian respons[…]-READ-MORE>

Watch your guests devour this luscious and creamy cake–you won’t have a single slice left.
The Backstory: My girlfriend, Lorraine, swears by this cheesecake. She used to make it all the time. I have yet to sample hers, but sh[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: Growing up in a predominately Jewish neighborhood there were many things that were considered normal, to me. One of them was to never eat any kind of tuna fish out side of our home. Being the type of kid I was,[…]-READ-MORE>

A smooth, creamy, classic that will remind you of days gone by.
The Backstory: One of the recipes that my cousin Rhonda shared with me is her famous, to-die-for rice pudding. I don’t know of one person that doesn’t like th[…]-READ-MORE>

Couscous with spinach, onions and tomatoes is simply fresh and flavorful. This is a perfect side, light lunch (add protein!) and go-to all year round.
…The Backstory continues: This delicious dish is flavorful, satisfying an[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: Just about every restaurant, delicatessen, wedding reception, dinner party or holiday gathering seems to have a fish offering these days, and most times, it’s a plain salmon dish. Well, who can get excited about th[…]-READ-MORE>

These gorgeous tart, creamy, and delicious two-bite mini lemon cheesecake tarts are absolutely addicting! The combination of cheesecake and lemon is as close to confection heaven as it gets and these are just beautiful topped with[…]-READ-MORE>