Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


The Backstory: There are so many varieties of kugel recipes, that it can be confusing to know which to make (and for which occasion). Between the sweet, the savory, the crunchy, the creamy, those with fruit, and those wtihout…i[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: My cousin Elaine, who is a Holocaust survivor, gave me this recipe. She and I always chat on the phone every Friday night. She has filled me with stories of her youth and the years she spent as a young teenager in […]-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>

This classic brisket is my-go holiday brisket for just about every holiday gathering. The meat is fork tender (it literally shreds) and the sauce is tangy, savory and slightly sweet.
The Backstory: A few fiances ago (that soun[…]-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>

Poached pears in fruit juice is an elegant ending to any holiday or Shabbat meal and it takes only minutes to make.
The Backstory: This delicious dessert is a perfect choice for the High Holidays, a special occasion, or anytim[…]-READ-MORE>

Roasted bananas are the secret ingredient that make this bread moist, sweet, and one of our top picks.
The Backstory: This is my all-time favorite banana bread recipe. I’m not even doing it justice by calling it banana bread. […]-READ-MORE>

If you need a perfect chocolate cake, look no further than Nana’s chocolate cake with fudge frosting. This is the one you’ve been waiting for.
The Backstory: Until I was almost seven years old, my cousin Hara and I lived side […]-READ-MORE>

Rhea’s sweet tzimmes has a delicious bright note from sweet pineapple added to carrots, apricots, prunes and honey. Perfect for the High Holidays or Pesach.
The Backstory: Moving to South Florida in 1994 was a shock to my wa[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: I had never cooked a good, or for that matter, a standard roast beef that was edible. It was either too well done or under cooked. When it was over cooked I would tell my hubby “let’s have something light” for di[…]-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>

Our mouth-watering peanut butter squares are smooth, rich, and creamy–these are the ultimate peanut butter and chocolate treat!
The Backstory: If you’re a fan of the classic chocolate-peanut butter combo, (and let’s face it, […]-READ-MORE>