Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


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>

Sweet tomatoes, poached eggs, and delicious herbs and spices are the hallmarks of Shakshouka, a popular Israeli dish that’s perfect at any meal.
The Backstory: I first had this deliciously savory egg and tomato dish at my in-[…]-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>

The Backstory: I have eaten fried fish sandwiches all my life. I’ve had it at fast food restaurants, in a posh hotel (that shall remain nameless), but the best place I ever had this type of sandwich was at a roadside place c[…]-READ-MORE>

Homemade Kosher corn dogs bring the carnival right to the dinner table with this delicious treat!
The Backstory: Here is another recipe that can please children as well as adults. True confession: hot dogs are my favorite food[…]-READ-MORE>

Try this Mississippi mud cheesecake recipe to savor the rich and delicious taste of mud cake in a chocolaty cheesecake instead!
Mississippi Mud Chocolate Cheesecake
Try this Mississippi mud cheesecake recipe to savour the […]-READ-MORE>

Mom’s Perfect Kugel is my go-to kugel for every holiday. Apricot preserves, vanilla notes, and a crunchy, to-die-for topping, put it over the top. This is my most-requested recipe.
The Backstory: If you put five (or 50) Jewish[…]-READ-MORE>

Every Jewish cook needs to be able to make roast chicken in a hurry and this recipe fits the bill. This is the chicken dish you want for Shabbat, company, or even weeknight dinners when you just want to put the bird in the oven an[…]-READ-MORE>

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>

Banana walnut bread is delicious for breakfast, snacking or wrapped up with a festive ribbon as holiday gift for friends.
The Backstory: Who doesn’t love a little something sweet now and then? I sure do! And why not? All of us[…]-READ-MORE>

Citrus glazed salmon is tart, sweet, and crunchy with slivered almonds. This is our go-to salmon recipe for weeknight dinners or family get-togethers.
The Backstory: Can you not imagine the sweet and tangy deliciousness of thi[…]-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>