Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


Poached pears in fruit juice is an elegant ending to any holiday or Shabbat meal and it takes only minutes to make.
The Backstory: This delicious dessert is a perfect choice for the High Holidays, a special occasion, or anytim[…]-READ-MORE>

Juicy fruit compote is the easiest way to showcase ripe fruit or use fruit that’s about to turn overripe. Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream and enjoy!
The Backstory: Fruit Compote is one of the easiest dishes to put together[…]-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>

Honey cake gets a decadent chocolate makeover in this delicious dessert that’s just perfect for Rosh Hashanah.
The Backstory: There’s honey cake and then there’s chocolate honey cake. Who knew such a thing ever existed? Well, […]-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>

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>

On Simchat Torah, Jews rejoice in the Torah and celebrate by dancing with the sacred scrolls. This holiday marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings and the beginning of the next cycle. Simchat Torah begins[…]-READ-MORE>

This is the ultimate lemon squares recipe! They are creamy, tart, sweet, and just the most perfect balance of flavors.
The Backstory: Lemon squares are by far, one of my top ten favorite desserts. As I’ve waxed poetic before, […]-READ-MORE>

Cucumber, onion, and dill salad is tart, crisp, and fresh, just like it came right from your favorite New York appetizing counter.
The Backstory: Whenever I have leftover cucumbers, I make cucumber, onion,and dill salad. I a[…]-READ-MORE>

This gorgeous, tender green is roasted to sweet perfection and dressed up with a drizzle of oil and a sprinkling of fresh herbs. This is the perfect side to any main course.
The Backstory: Roasted Spinach is one of the easiest[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: When you really want to shake things up at the holidays, these matzoh balls are just the thing to do it. Three deliciously flavored–and easy to make varieties–spinach, turmeric, and tomato–are simply gorgeous to[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: I am always looking for what I call my diet foods. Veggies are always a good source for weight loss and this traditional French dish can be used both ways. When I top it off with a sprinkle of grated mozzarella o[…]-READ-MORE>