Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


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>

Exactly what mandel bread should be: crisp, sweet, and golden brown.
The Backstory: I met Lorraine about a year ago. She was a fill in at a Mah Jongg game. When you play Mah Jongg (or any game) with the same group of girls[…]-READ-MORE>

Kosher beef sausages are savory and incredibly versatile for BBQ, casseroles, or boiled. Serve with all the fixings for a delicious lunch or casual dinner.
The Backstory: I never once bought sausages before I lived on Staten I[…]-READ-MORE>

Chicken with red wine is a classic French dish with a Jewish makeover! It’s the most delicious, savory, and easy dish to make and yes, what a wow factor.
The Backstory: This is my take on Coq Au Vin. The classic recipes calls […]-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>

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>

Classic butter pastry is rolled tight with almonds, raisins, and cinnamon.
The Backstory: As far as strudels go, this version is a little more refined than your standard fruit-filled strudel. Oh sure, it tempts you (as do all […]-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>

Golden pastry surrounds a savory filling in this classic potato knish recipe. Perfect for party apps, holidays, or family get-togethers!
The Backstory: Oh, how I love a classic potato knish. I’m sorry (in advance) to everyone […]-READ-MORE>

Chicken with peppers is an easy to prepare dinner that turns out succulent chicken with sweet and tender veggies. Perfect for weeknight dinners.
The Backstory: I have been playing Mah Jongg with Maureen for several years. Sh[…]-READ-MORE>

Grandma Gertie’s almond cake is an old-fashioned cake that’s light with note of almond and lemon. This gorgeous cake is perfect with coffee or tea.
The Backstory: Today, Mother’s Day 2017, my mother gave me a beautiful Mother'[…]-READ-MORE>

This creamy, rich, and decadent blue cheese dressing is perfect on everything from salads to baked potatoes to crudite party veggies.
The Backstory: Okay, okay, blue cheese isn’t exactly Jewish–I get it. But let’s face it–th[…]-READ-MORE>