Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


This classic brisket is my-go holiday brisket for just about every holiday gathering. The meat is fork tender (it literally shreds) and the sauce is tangy, savory and slightly sweet.
The Backstory: A few fiances ago (that soun[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: First, I promise that this is a true story. When I asked my mother for her chicken soup recipe, she said: “I’ll have to measure and get back to you.” I said, “How is that possible? You’ve been making this soup for[…]-READ-MORE>

Purple plum torte is juicy, sweet, and slightly tart. The buttery crust is a perfect balance to the fruit and the torte makes a gorgeous presentation.
The Backstory: This delicious plum torte comes to you from my dear friend, […]-READ-MORE>

An old-fashioned dessert gets an elegant, modern makeover.
The Backstory: One of my favorite childhood memories is stopping off at a bakery not too far from my father’s own bagel bakery in Borough Park, Brooklyn to pick up a c[…]-READ-MORE>

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>

My Aunt Sandy’s chocolate chip mandel bread is a true classic. This delicious biscotti-like cookie combines the very best of traditional Jewish baking with everyone’s favorite cookie for a no-fail dessert that’s perfect with coffe[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: Chicken is chicken. It seems as though there must be zillions of recipes out there. Baked, fried, boiled, braised etc. Get the picture? Practically every culture has their favorites. More of the Backstory after[…]-READ-MORE>

Bring back a taste of the old country with our Hungarian Goulash. This hearty dish will stick to your ribs warm you up on cold winter days.
The Backstory: Goulash is a type of stew made with meat and vegetables and when most p[…]-READ-MORE>

Rich and sinful are the best ways to describe our decadent chocolate mousse. This delicious, layered dessert is creamy, chocolaty, and the perfect way to indulge your craving for everyone’s favorite treat!
The Backstory: I’ve […]-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>

Golden pastry surrounds a savory filling in this classic potato knish recipe. Perfect for party apps, holidays, or family get-togethers!
The Backstory: Oh, how I love a classic potato knish. I’m sorry (in advance) to everyone […]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: This is a delicious brisket recipe that comes to me from my cousin, who is a fabulous cook and hostess. The recipe uses red wine as well as chicken stock, as a base for the gravy, and while most of the wine cooks o[…]-READ-MORE>