Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


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>

You want this! Old-fashioned chocolate pudding is creamy, chocolaty, decadent, and simply perfect. Add a huge dollop of fresh whipped cream and just let yourself indulge. You deserve it.
The Backstory: When I look at this reci[…]-READ-MORE>

Couscous with spinach, onions and tomatoes is simply fresh and flavorful. This is a perfect side, light lunch (add protein!) and go-to all year round.
…The Backstory continues: This delicious dish is flavorful, satisfying an[…]-READ-MORE>

Phyllis’s chicken soup turns out a perfectly-seasoned, delicate golden broth every time. This is is my go-to recipe for holiday cooking and Shabbat meals.
The Backstory: My mother-in-law hosts the most amazing (and I mean amaz[…]-READ-MORE>

Talk about rich and savory flavors! Our Moroccan fig, pine nut, and black bean couscous is hearty, delicious, and heart healthy to boot!
The Backstory: This is a truly special dish that has amazing depth of flavors from the ri[…]-READ-MORE>

Mom’s baked blintzes taste almost like cheesecake–they’re that decadent and delicious! Frozen cheese blintzes are baked in a creamy custard (you and make these ahead!) for the perfect dairy meal, breakfast or brunch.
The Backs[…]-READ-MORE>

Grilled herbed potatoes are the best of both worlds: crispy outside and soft and tender inside. Savory herbs add zest and a smoky wow factor!
The Backstory: This recipe for grilled herbed potatoes is one of my all-time favorit[…]-READ-MORE>

Low-fat rice pudding is sweet and creamy with notes of vanilla and cinnamon. This yummy classic cooks in 20 minutes and tastes just like the original.
The Backstory: This recipe is one of those that happened by accident. I was[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: What can one say about this Liver and Onion dish? When liver is mentioned some people make faces. They don’t like the name, so they won’t try it. They have no idea what they’re missing. I’ve had liver in many d[…]-READ-MORE>

Our Lemon Poppy Seed Loan is both sweet and tart and pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, or as a kids’ snack in a lunchbox.
The Backstory: So here’s the thing: I don’t like poppy seed bagels (sorry, Dad), or poppy s[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: My girlfriend Gloria is an excellent cook. About 30 years ago my husband and I were invited to her home for dinner. This casserole was one of the delectable foods she prepared that night. Whatever she served wa[…]-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>