Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


The Backstory: Growing up in South Africa, applesauce was never a regular feature at the holiday table. Since coming to the States, though, I’ve been introduced to this yummy accompaniment, which is a great addition to most Sha[…]-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>

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>

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>

The Backstory: This simple Oven Roasted Potatoes side dish can be made with a variety of seasonings. Whatever suits your taste. But my taste for these spuds is usually rosemary and garlic. Somehow rosemary with it’s “woodsy” ar[…]-READ-MORE>

Mesclun greens with pears, dried cherries and candies walnuts is a beautiful fall and winter salad that’s bursting with seasonal flavors.
The Backstory: This is my all-time favorite salad to serve during the fall holidays. The[…]-READ-MORE>

Rice stuffed chicken is a deliciously savory main dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, company, or special Shabbat celebrations.
The Backstory: This recipe comes to me by way of my friend, Lorraine. Lorraine is one of […]-READ-MORE>

These delicate potato and onion pierogies are savory, tender, and positively addicting. You won’t be able to stop at one so make a double batch!
The Backstory: This recipe for potato and onion pierogies was given to me over 50[…]-READ-MORE>

Grandma Gertie’s almond cake is an old-fashioned cake that’s light with note of almond and lemon. This gorgeous cake is perfect with coffee or tea.
The Backstory: Today, Mother’s Day 2017, my mother gave me a beautiful Mother'[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: When I think of borscht, I immediately picture my grandfather slurping up spoonfuls of this deep magenta soup, oblivious to the sounds of his own enjoyment, and smacking his lips with a satisfied “aahh” every few s[…]-READ-MORE>

Buttery pastry and sweet and nutty filling make these Hungarian pastry crescents melt in your mouth.
The Backstory: These delicious little cookies are very similar to rugelach but their texture is a little more dense. Also, un[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: This recipe is something I concocted. I have been doing the stove top version for as long as I could remember. I also am using the same deep, heavy aluminum skillet that my grandmother gave me. It is safe to say I […]-READ-MORE>