Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


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: I haven’t had roast duck in years. Whenever I see this on a menu I immediately think of my mother-in-law, Marcia. Marcia wasn’t the best cook in the world. She didn’t have to be. For the first 40 years of her[…]-READ-MORE>

What’s a barbeque without zesty, creamy coleslaw? Bella’s perfect coleslaw hits the right balance of creamy and tangy and takes just minutes to make.
The Backstory: This recipe comes to me from my Canadian cousin, Rhonda. Sh[…]-READ-MORE>

I can think of few things better than a lazy summer afternoon to gather with friends and family to enjoy a great meal, some sunshine, and let the kids play outside while the grown ups unwind and catch up on conversation, (maybe a […]-READ-MORE>

When I think of what to serve for Shabbat my mind immediately goes to roast chicken. How could it not? I think of my Bubbie and her massive pots of soup, and I think about, well…I think about Ina Garten cooking her weekly Friday[…]-READ-MORE>

Tender chicken, dried apricots, and a tangy sweet glaze bake to perfection to make holiday apricot chicken a sweet and savory showstopper dish.
The Backstory: What would any holiday or Shabbat dinner be without a roasted chick[…]-READ-MORE>

Tu B’Shevat or the Jewish “New Year of Trees” is a festive celebration in honor of the the fruit bearing trees in Israel that awake from their winter naps and begin a new cycle of bearing fruit. For this reason, on Tu B’Shevat we […]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: At many a Shabbat or Yom Tov table is a dish that often sits in the shadow of a main course, soup or Challah. Perhaps Kugel is often underappreciated because the Jewish staple is just that – a staple. More of the[…]-READ-MORE>

Chicken with apricots and carrots is a comforting one-pot dish that’s perfect for company, holidays, or Shabbat dinner.
The Backstory: I recently celebrated Rosh Hashanah 2016 with family and friends at my daughter and my son-[…]-READ-MORE>

Matzoh Brei is everyone’s favorite Passover breakfast dish and it’s also perfect for lunch (and so easy to make).
The Backstory: I remember having Matzoh Brei as a young girl. My mom made this mostly on Passover. At a time[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: This rice pilaf recipe is so rich in seasonings and all the veggies that makes it a dish I prepare all the time. I was interested in learning about the main ingredient, rice. I decided to do some research. I fin[…]-READ-MORE>

Crispy, flavorful and perfect for little hands to hold, these fish sticks will become thumbs-up favorite for even the pickiest eater.
The Backstory: When it comes to picky eaters, I know from which I speak. I have three childr[…]-READ-MORE>