Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


The Backstory: Oh yes, you know this one: this is the retro sweet potato casserole that Bubbie or Grandma or some fabulous aunt of yours made every single Thanksgiving or Chanukah that had Maraschino cherries and pineapple rings […]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: I am a beef eater. Oh, I know this should be limited or completely taken out of our diet. Well, to all of you who feel the same way about this that I do, try this recipe. It is easy and delicious. I don’t k[…]-READ-MORE>

Citrus glazed salmon is tart, sweet, and crunchy with slivered almonds. This is our go-to salmon recipe for weeknight dinners or family get-togethers.
The Backstory: Can you not imagine the sweet and tangy deliciousness of thi[…]-READ-MORE>

Fried matzoh brie pancakes are a sweet (or savory) way to take ho-hum leftover matzoh to the next level. This is a delicious breakfast, brunch, or snack that takes minutes to make and adds zip to your usual matzoh routine.
The […]-READ-MORE>

This creamy, rich, and decadent blue cheese dressing is perfect on everything from salads to baked potatoes to crudite party veggies.
The Backstory: Okay, okay, blue cheese isn’t exactly Jewish–I get it. But let’s face it–th[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: Growing up, my mother told me that when she was a little girl, my grandmother always cooked roasts and chicken for dinner, never hamburgers or anything made from what she called ‘chop meat’ like so many women event[…]-READ-MORE>

Over the years, my family and I have been enjoying fish at least a few times a week and this has forced me to become more creative with everyone’s favorite–salmon. The good news is that salmon is so versatile that it lends itself[…]-READ-MORE>

How I love, love, love Shabbat. I literally cannot wait for Friday night when my family comes together at the table and my husband and I watch and listen as our children take turns saying prayers over the candles, challah, wine (o[…]-READ-MORE>

Just about the easiest (and most scrumptious) Hamantaschen recipe you’ll ever find.
The Backstory: Purim is a wonderful time of year – we dress up, make some noise and enjoy these delicious cookies. More of the Backstory aft[…]-READ-MORE>

Bottled salad dressing flavors and tenderizes our marinated chicken for a foolfproof, go-to recipe that never fails. Perfect for company or Shabbat.
The Backstory: When I moved from an apartment to my own house, I cannot expla[…]-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: When I was cooking for my family of four, I would often turn to this meat as a safe dish to make. It’s easy and was always a wiinner. My family enjoyed it and so did whomever was at my table when I barbecued it. […]-READ-MORE>