Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


The Backstory: What would Thanksgiving be without its magnificent side dishes? Some years, I think I’d rather eat a plateful of side dishes than the big bird itself, and I’m the one who usually cooks our turkey. Go figure! More o[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: From the first moment I set foot in Paris in the winter of 1997, I loved it the way everyone who falls in love with the City of Love (and Light) falls in love. Deeply, madly, insanely. More of the Backstory after t[…]-READ-MORE>

Poached pears in fruit juice is an elegant ending to any holiday or Shabbat meal and it takes only minutes to make.
The Backstory: This delicious dessert is a perfect choice for the High Holidays, a special occasion, or anytim[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: I am a beef eater. Oh, I know this should be limited or completely taken out of our diet. Well, to all of you who feel the same way about this that I do, try this recipe. It is easy and delicious. I don’t k[…]-READ-MORE>

Eggplant Dip is a savory, tomato-y, slighty sweet spread that’s perfect with crusty bread, crackers, or as a dip for veggies. A perfect make-ahead dish.
The Backstory: Eggplant dip is one of my favorite, go-to appetizers when […]-READ-MORE>

Tender chicken, dried apricots, and a tangy sweet glaze bake to perfection to make holiday apricot chicken a sweet and savory showstopper dish.
The Backstory: What would any holiday or Shabbat dinner be without a roasted chick[…]-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: 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>

This recipe for broccoli rabe with garlic takes minutes to make. It’s fragrant, tender and perfect with any main course.
The Backstory: I can’t say enough about this delicious recipe for broccoli rabe with garlic. Not only is i[…]-READ-MORE>

Our healthy-version recipe for glazed beef brisket is fork tender, juicy, and a perfect Shabbat or holiday main dish.
The Backstory: What would our Jewish holidays be without our beloved glazed beef brisket? Can you even imagi[…]-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>

These are the best cream cheese brownies I’ve ever made. They’re rich, decadent, and the ultimate chocolaty treat for the brownie lovers in your life.
The Backstory: I honestly don’t have the words for my father’s expression w[…]-READ-MORE>