Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


Blini with smoked salmon are elegant appetizers that hit on all fronts: salty, creamy, and perfect two bite noshes.
The Backstory: I first went to The Russian Tea Room in 1999. I was 35 years old and as a born and bred New Yor[…]-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>

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>

Nutty Gruyere and salty salmon take this delicious quiche over the top.
The Backstory: This delicious quiche has the surprise of smoked salmon nestled among gooey melted Gruyere and sauteed green onions. It is an amazing combi[…]-READ-MORE>

Apple crisp is fall’s favorite dessert and our lighter version is sweet and crumbly with notes of cinnamon, lemon and vanilla.
The Backstory: Apple Crisp is a traditional fall dessert that’s a perfect chocie for your Rosh Hashan[…]-READ-MORE>

Fresh smoked salmon is folded into fresh cream cheese in this easy, one step recipe.
The Backstory: This is without a doubt, the easiest, two-ingredient recipe in the world, but totally worth making. I know, I know, you can bu[…]-READ-MORE>

You can have your cake and not feel guilty about it with our scrumptious enlightened berry cheesecake. It takes just like the real thing!
The Backstory: Cheesecake is always one of those desserts that people think they can’t h[…]-READ-MORE>

I can think of few things better than a lazy summer afternoon to gather with friends and family to enjoy a great meal, some sunshine, and let the kids play outside while the grown ups unwind and catch up on conversation, (maybe a […]-READ-MORE>

Carrot and Hummus Roll Ups are savory, delicious bites that are perfect make-ahead appetizers for parties and holidays.
The Backstory: Carrot and Hummus Rolls are a delicious light bite and finger food that are perfect as a pa[…]-READ-MORE>

Pomegranate glazed chicken has a tart and sweet balance of flavors and is a perfect main dish for Rosh Hashanah or Shabbat celebrations.
The Backstory: Let’s face it: there are only so many things you can do with chicken. But […]-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: I vividly remember my mother preparing Borscht. But instead of serving this as a soup, she served it to my dad in a glass. My mom did not make this from scratch. She usually had a cold bottle of store-brought b[…]-READ-MORE>