Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


This layered gefilte fish torte is an elegant take on the old classic. It’s easy to make and tastes as good as it looks.
The Backstory: There are hundreds of variations of this classic, Jewish first course but this layered gef[…]-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>

The Backstory: For over 50 years I have been making this casserole and I know that many, many people make it for Thanksgiving, but my father loved it all year round. I have prepared this for almost every holiday dinner that he at[…]-READ-MORE>

Grilled veal chops are an easy way to enjoy an elegant cut of meat and they come out tender, and juicy, every time.
The Backstory: Veal is one of the most expensive cuts of meat on the market today. Yet going back decades, I[…]-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>

Our classic round challah recipe bakes up golden, sweet challah every time. Make two loaves–one for Shabbat and one for noshing!
The Backstory: On Rosh Hashanah, classic round challah has a symbolic meaning. The shape signifi[…]-READ-MORE>

Chicken with tomatoes is a simply yet savory one-pan dish that’s a perfect go-to recipe for company and last-minute cooking.
The Backstory: I first made this dish in the very early years of my marriage. I knew how to cook but […]-READ-MORE>

Exactly what mandel bread should be: crisp, sweet, and golden brown.
The Backstory: I met Lorraine about a year ago. She was a fill in at a Mah Jongg game. When you play Mah Jongg (or any game) with the same group of girls[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: This is so easy and delicious to make. I live alone, and I look for recipes that take me little time and little prep. I also make this for my niece-in-law Phyllis. I try to vary my menu when she comes for dinne[…]-READ-MORE>

Banana crepes with dark chocolate are the dessert to make when you want to impress–and our version is low in calories and fat!
The Backstory: Every now and then I love to go all out and whip up a wow dish that’s a real showst[…]-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>

Eggplant Dip is a savory, tomato-y, slighty sweet spread that’s perfect with crusty bread, crackers, or as a dip for veggies. A perfect make-ahead dish.
The Backstory: Eggplant dip is one of my favorite, go-to appetizers when […]-READ-MORE>