Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


The Backstory: There are so many varieties of kugel recipes, that it can be confusing to know which to make (and for which occasion). Between the sweet, the savory, the crunchy, the creamy, those with fruit, and those wtihout…i[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: Just about every restaurant, delicatessen, wedding reception, dinner party or holiday gathering seems to have a fish offering these days, and most times, it’s a plain salmon dish. Well, who can get excited about th[…]-READ-MORE>

Moist, slightly sweet, and with just a hint of texture, zucchini banana bread is a wonderful nosh with coffee, tea or tucked inside a lunch box.
The Backstory: I found this Zucchini Banana Bread recipe among my stash of old o[…]-READ-MORE>

Nana’s perfect chopped liver is the only chopped liver recipe you’ll ever need. It’s creamy, classic, and works as a dip, spread, or filling for sandwiches.
The Backstory: My Aunt Sandy makes the most wonderful, melt-in-your-m[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: For over 50 years I have been making this casserole and I know that many, many people make it for Thanksgiving, but my father loved it all year round. I have prepared this for almost every holiday dinner that he at[…]-READ-MORE>

Fresh strawberry pie is a gorgeous, lush, wholesome and creamy dessert that’s as luscious as it looks. Better yet–it won’t blow your diet.
The Backstory: This show-stopper dessert (seriously, how gorgeous is it?!) is actually[…]-READ-MORE>

Our beet salad with goat cheese and nuts is everything: sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy. Add chicken to make this a full lunch or dinner and some fresh bread and you’ll find yourself making this meal over and over again.
The […]-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>

Spinach cheese bake is a decadent, creamy dip that’s a perfect party appetizer with crackers or pita wedges.
The Backstory: I am a cheese lover. Now pair this with spinach, mushrooms and onions, and this becomes another favo[…]-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>

Creamy, rich, and delicious, you’ll never believe this dessert is low-cal and low fat.
The Backstory: Making flan may seem intimidating at first but it’s just as easy as making a pie. There’s a base, a filling, and a simple to[…]-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>