Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


This velvety sweet and savory soup is the perfect first course for Thanksgiving or any festive fall meal. Add some warm crusty bread and enjoy.
The Backstory: Let me just come right out and say it: I am not a soup lover. More […]-READ-MORE>

These easy-to-make white bread cheese blintzes are loaded with cinnamon, nostalgia, and will bring you back to your childhood.
The Backstory: When I think of white bread cheese blintzes I am immediately transformed back to the […]-READ-MORE>

Panko, parmesan, and savory herbs and spices make these classic stuffed mushrooms full of flavor and crunch.
The Backstory: Classic stuffed mushrooms are one of the easiest appetizers to make for a large crowd–they’re inexpen[…]-READ-MORE>

There are no words to describe these sweet, to-die-for candy apples! Crunchy, decadent, and simply delish, make them in under an hour and see for yourself!
The Backstory: What can I possibly say about this gorgeous, childhood […]-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>

The Backstory: Chef’s Salad is one of the easiest dishes to prepare and also one of the most satisfying. It can be made with just about anything you have in your refrigerator.and pantry. Sometimes I make this with leftover ro[…]-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>

The Backstory: Potatoes have been around forever and I’m sure many of us can remember our mothers and grandmothers serving boiled potatoes alongside chicken (can you say bland?) or throwing a few potatoes into a roasting pan to c[…]-READ-MORE>

Fresh, tangy, and perfect as a side to just about any meal, our marinated cucumber salad beats any store bought version and is light, healthy and refreshing.
The Backstory: You know all those pre-made salads and sides at your […]-READ-MORE>

Come Friday, no matter what I’m doing (teaching at Boston University, shuffling kids to and from school), the other half of my brain is thinking about Shabbat. In between work and school drop off and pick up, I’m trying to figure […]-READ-MORE>

Sweet crunchy carrots and fall spices make these delicious carrot muffins perfect anytime snacks and breakfast picks.
The Backstory: There’s just nothing like the smell of carrot muffins baking in the oven. The warm autumn aro[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: I do not know were my mom came up with this recipe, all I know is I love it. Mom didn’t make this often, but when she did, there was nothing left in the serving dish. How we girls loved these tasty fried spuds. Wha[…]-READ-MORE>