Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


A classic, old-time side that’s as delicious and flavorful as it ever was.
The Backstory: I was raised on Jewish soul foods. This included Stuffed Derma (Kishka), chopped liver, chicken soup, and a whole bunch of foods that to[…]-READ-MORE>

Classic butter pastry is rolled tight with almonds, raisins, and cinnamon.
The Backstory: As far as strudels go, this version is a little more refined than your standard fruit-filled strudel. Oh sure, it tempts you (as do all […]-READ-MORE>

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>

Baked brie in puff pastry combine with tangy apricot preserves in this decadent (and spectacular) appetizer your guests will devour!
The Backstory: This recipe has absolutely no tie whatsoever to any Jewish folklore, story, or[…]-READ-MORE>

Our cabbage soup with flanken recipe turns out a classic, slow-simmering soup with tender beef that simply shreds in the tangy broth.
The Backstory: I well remember my mother making cabbage soup with flanken. Usually she use[…]-READ-MORE>

Our perfect cranberry sauce is sweet, tart, and the easiest side you’ll make for Thanksgiving, Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
The Backstory: What really needs to be said about everyone’s favorite Thanksgi[…]-READ-MORE>

Sweet, crunchy, and soft on the inside, these easy corn fritters will be the appetizer hit of your next cocktail party or holiday celebration.
The Backstory: Corn fritters are an easy side dish or appetizer to prepare and they[…]-READ-MORE>

Purple plum torte is juicy, sweet, and slightly tart. The buttery crust is a perfect balance to the fruit and the torte makes a gorgeous presentation.
The Backstory: This delicious plum torte comes to you from my dear friend, […]-READ-MORE>

Fall fruits and warm cinnamon combine in this classic but lighter version of apple cranberry cobbler. Be ready to swoon.
The Backstory: This fruit-filled cobbler is a perfect dessert for the High Holidays, Thanksgiving, Chanuk[…]-READ-MORE>

No matter how fancy or casual your party, the fun doesn’t start without homemade pigs in a blanket–a traditional fan favorite!
The Backstory: Let’s be honest with each other: no matter how fancy the shindig or how high-end the […]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: When I think of borscht, I immediately picture my grandfather slurping up spoonfuls of this deep magenta soup, oblivious to the sounds of his own enjoyment, and smacking his lips with a satisfied “aahh” every few s[…]-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>