Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


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>

Our ultimate beef brisket is juicy, fork-tender, and our favorite brisket recipe of all time. Don’t forget the challah to soak up the sweet and tangy sauce!
The Backstory: My husband Rob makes the world’s ultimate beef brisket[…]-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>

The Backstory: Most of the meals I prepare are basic family dinners. But when I really want to “put on the dogs” (old fashion saying) for guests, I make several different main course meat dishes. More of the Backstory af[…]-READ-MORE>

Watch your guests devour this luscious and creamy cake–you won’t have a single slice left.
The Backstory: My girlfriend, Lorraine, swears by this cheesecake. She used to make it all the time. I have yet to sample hers, but sh[…]-READ-MORE>

Spinach cheese bake is a decadent, creamy dip that’s a perfect party appetizer with crackers or pita wedges.
The Backstory: I am a cheese lover. Now pair this with spinach, mushrooms and onions, and this becomes another favo[…]-READ-MORE>

Creamy potatoes layered over zesty beef in a savory tomato sauce make Mom’s Shepherd’s Pie comfort food the whole family will enjoy.
The Backstory: Shepherd Pie, is one of my mom’s Summer Specials. That is the only time she […]-READ-MORE>

Our fresh fruit salad has a light citrus and vanilla sauce that makes it a perfect ending to any meal or an ideal snack when you’re craving something sweet.
The Backstory: This refreshing, light, and juicy fresh fruit salad is[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: I cannot remember a time when this velvety soup was not served for a holiday dinner. My mom never measured anything, and here I am trying to convert her favorite answer to my question, “how much of this or that” […]-READ-MORE>

Grandma’s poppyseed cookies are thin, crisp, and buttery, and melt right in your mouth!
The Backstory: To say that my husband loves his Grandma’s poppyseed cookies would be an understatement. He loves them and he loves them de[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: Every Passover, I go in search of delicious, flavorful desserts that won’t disappoint or fall flat (no pun intended) due to their lack of flour and leavening agents, and every year, I find myself digging out my sam[…]-READ-MORE>

Braised short ribs are tender, savory, hearty, and the meat just falls off the bone. A perfect Shabbat or holiday meal.
The Backstory: Braised short ribs sound much more complicated to cook than they really are and truth be to[…]-READ-MORE>