Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


The Backstory: What would Thanksgiving be without its magnificent side dishes? Some years, I think I’d rather eat a plateful of side dishes than the big bird itself, and I’m the one who usually cooks our turkey. Go figure! More o[…]-READ-MORE>

Melt in your mouth goodness!!
The Backstory: Hanukkah is a truly special time – we celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and honor the Festival of Lights with eating foods cooked in oil, playing with the dreidel and g[…]-READ-MORE>

Moist, slightly sweet, and with just a hint of texture, zucchini banana bread is a wonderful nosh with coffee, tea or tucked inside a lunch box.
The Backstory: I found this Zucchini Banana Bread recipe among my stash of old o[…]-READ-MORE>

Cheesy artichoke dip is gooey, creamy, and golden brown right out of the oven. Guests say this dip is the life of the party!
The Backstory: When I met my good friend Kerri, little did I know she came with an added bonus: he[…]-READ-MORE>

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 delicate potato and onion pierogies are savory, tender, and positively addicting. You won’t be able to stop at one so make a double batch!
The Backstory: This recipe for potato and onion pierogies was given to me over 50[…]-READ-MORE>

Beautiful to look at and luscious inside, Gloria’s Jam Roll Cake is a gorgeous dessert that your guest will devour. Be prepared to hand over the recipe!
The Backstory: My friend Gloria gave me this recipe for this fabulous cak[…]-READ-MORE>

This dark, rich, chewy bread is in a class by itself. Perfect for Reubens, cold deli sandwiches, or just toast and butter (or cream cheese and lox), this Jewish standard is truly one of a kind.
The Backstory: Pumpernickel date[…]-READ-MORE>

This crusty traditional old-fashioned rye bread is loaded with caraway seeds and tastes just like it came like from a Brooklyn bakery.
The Backstory: Old-fashioned rye bread was one of my mom’s favorite breads. But how she lik[…]-READ-MORE>

Phyllis’s chicken soup turns out a perfectly-seasoned, delicate golden broth every time. This is is my go-to recipe for holiday cooking and Shabbat meals.
The Backstory: My mother-in-law hosts the most amazing (and I mean amaz[…]-READ-MORE>

Our classic carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is the only carrot cake recipe you’ll ever need. It’s decadent, moist and packed with raisins, nuts, and flavor in every single bite.
The Backstory: Let’s be honest: classic c[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: I confess: I’m fussy when it comes to potato salad (and coleslaw for that matter). It’s a New York thing. I’ve grown up around delis and good Jewish soul food, and so I’m hard-pressed to give a thumb’s up to a dece[…]-READ-MORE>