Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


The Backstory: Whether you call them chicken fingers or chicken strips, the taste is still the same. These morsels of chicken are juicy, crisp and delicious. Add a dipping sauce or condiment of your liking, some fries or coleslaw[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: I vividly remember my mother preparing Borscht. But instead of serving this as a soup, she served it to my dad in a glass. My mom did not make this from scratch. She usually had a cold bottle of store-brought b[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: I will eat potatoes in any way that they are prepared. Potatoes were a staple at every dinner my mother made. My dad was a meat and potatoes guy. The meal was almost always the same: mashed potatoes made with P[…]-READ-MORE>

Spinach cheese bake is a decadent, creamy dip that’s a perfect party appetizer with crackers or pita wedges.
The Backstory: I am a cheese lover. Now pair this with spinach, mushrooms and onions, and this becomes another favo[…]-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>

Gingersnap cookies are pure chewiness on the inside and golden crispiness on the outside with spicy deliciousness all around!
The Backstory: I don’t know about you, but to me, gingersnaps (done right) are just about one of th[…]-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>

Classic butter pastry is rolled tight with almonds, raisins, and cinnamon.
The Backstory: As far as strudels go, this version is a little more refined than your standard fruit-filled strudel. Oh sure, it tempts you (as do all […]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: I haven’t had roast duck in years. Whenever I see this on a menu I immediately think of my mother-in-law, Marcia. Marcia wasn’t the best cook in the world. She didn’t have to be. For the first 40 years of her[…]-READ-MORE>

You can have your cake and not feel guilty about it with our scrumptious enlightened berry cheesecake. It takes just like the real thing!
The Backstory: Cheesecake is always one of those desserts that people think they can’t h[…]-READ-MORE>

Oven roasted vegetables are sweet, caramelized, and fork tender. They are so delicious, they can be an entire meal unto themselves.
The Backstory: Roasted vegetables are so easy to prepare. And they are a great pairing for chi[…]-READ-MORE>

Honey soy broiled salmon is sweet, savory and full of deliciously healthy ingredients. This is a perfect go-to fish meal for any occasion.
The Backstory: This is one of my all-time favorite ways to prepare salmon because it de[…]-READ-MORE>