Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


The Backstory: Growing up in South Africa, applesauce was never a regular feature at the holiday table. Since coming to the States, though, I’ve been introduced to this yummy accompaniment, which is a great addition to most Sha[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: I vividly remember my mother preparing Borscht. But instead of serving this as a soup, she served it to my dad in a glass. My mom did not make this from scratch. She usually had a cold bottle of store-brought b[…]-READ-MORE>

Phyllis’s Spinach Pie is one of our top-rated recipes and the ultimate comfort food. This decadent dish is a perfect side or lunch with a salad. Double the recipe and make two (freeze one!)
The Backstory: My mother-in-law is re[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: From the first moment I set foot in Paris in the winter of 1997, I loved it the way everyone who falls in love with the City of Love (and Light) falls in love. Deeply, madly, insanely. More of the Backstory after t[…]-READ-MORE>

Potato salad with vinegar is a delicious and tangy side for burgers, chicken, hot dogs, and sandwiches. This zesty dish is ideal for Kosher cooking.
The Backstory: This potato salad with vinegar is an ideal side dish for anyon[…]-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>

The Backstory: While it’s certainly not a traditional Jewish dish, my family were always pasta lovers and Baked Ziti has been a staple in my home for years. Especially when my kids lived at home, I made this dish so many times,[…]-READ-MORE>

Perfectly seasoned steak and crisp, fresh greens combine for a delicious steak salad that’s perfect for dinner or lunch. Easy to make and healthy too!
The Backstory: When I was growing up in the 1940s and 1950s, a steak was a […]-READ-MORE>

Soy milk cream of mushroom soup is silky, delicious and perfect for those who follow Kosher, gluten-free, or lactose-free diets.
The Backstory: Most cream of mushroom soups recipes cannot be used for Kosher meals where meat or[…]-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>

The Backstory: When I think of kugel, I can’t help but think of my father doing his standard joke in a heavily accented Polish dialect, “Is it kugel or is it pujjink?” (meaning noodle pudding). You see, when it comes to kugel, mo[…]-READ-MORE>

Tender dumplings in golden chicken broth are the cure for whatever ails you.
The Backstory: Kreplach, those delicious dumplings that bathe in our worshiped chicken soup, are one of the pillars of Jewish soul food. These meat f[…]-READ-MORE>