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>

Our classic round challah recipe bakes up golden, sweet challah every time. Make two loaves–one for Shabbat and one for noshing!
The Backstory: On Rosh Hashanah, classic round challah has a symbolic meaning. The shape signifi[…]-READ-MORE>

Nutmeg, cinnamon and brown sugar infuse these classic baked apples and the results are just delicious.
The Backstory: There’s just something about baked apples that evokes memories of childhood, grandparents, and the warm, swe[…]-READ-MORE>

Cucumber, onion, and dill salad is tart, crisp, and fresh, just like it came right from your favorite New York appetizing counter.
The Backstory: Whenever I have leftover cucumbers, I make cucumber, onion,and dill salad. I a[…]-READ-MORE>

The ultimate in creamy comfort food–there won’t be a spoonful left!
The Backstory: There’s mac and cheese and then there’s mac and cheese. This recipe is the latter. This is one of those dishes that’s not just for grown ups: […]-READ-MORE>

Crisp falafel balls are simply perfect in a pita sandwich or in a salad in this classic Middle Eastern dish.
The Backstory: Oh how I love falafel and my road to discovering this classic Israeli street food started in my childh[…]-READ-MORE>

Baked zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes, is a garden-fresh side that can be made savory with herbs and baking until the veggies are soft and tender.
The Backstory: This is one dish I make for my very fussy daughter. Their are[…]-READ-MORE>

Oven roasted vegetables are sweet, caramelized, and fork tender. They are so delicious, they can be an entire meal unto themselves.
The Backstory: Roasted vegetables are so easy to prepare. And they are a great pairing for chi[…]-READ-MORE>

Your favorite holiday meal, only lighter and a healthier (but just as juicy!)
The Backstory: Who doesn’t love a moist, tender brisket at the holidays? No one, I know! Well now you can have your delicious brisket and not feel g[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: When you really want to shake things up at the holidays, these matzoh balls are just the thing to do it. Three deliciously flavored–and easy to make varieties–spinach, turmeric, and tomato–are simply gorgeous to[…]-READ-MORE>

Bottled salad dressing flavors and tenderizes our marinated chicken for a foolfproof, go-to recipe that never fails. Perfect for company or Shabbat.
The Backstory: When I moved from an apartment to my own house, I cannot expla[…]-READ-MORE>

Surprisingly delicious, chicken with ketchup glaze strikes the perfect balance of sweet and tanginess and makes a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
The Backstory: Okay, so not exactly the most appetizing name for a dish, but It[…]-READ-MORE>