Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


The Backstory: My daughter, Jodi, prefers this Honey Mustard Sauce to plain mustard. I can understand why. The sweetness and the spices of the mustard add so much flavor to many dishes. You get that ying and yang of sweet […]-READ-MORE>

Crisp falafel balls are simply perfect in a pita sandwich or in a salad in this classic Middle Eastern dish.
The Backstory: Oh how I love falafel and my road to discovering this classic Israeli street food started in my childh[…]-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>

The ultimate in creamy comfort food–there won’t be a spoonful left!
The Backstory: There’s mac and cheese and then there’s mac and cheese. This recipe is the latter. This is one of those dishes that’s not just for grown ups: […]-READ-MORE>

One of our classic dairy dishes, perfect as is or topped with fresh fruit or pie topping.
The Backstory: One of my favorite Jewish treats is the blintz – the very thought of these paper-thin crepes filled with a creamy chees[…]-READ-MORE>

Latkes with salmon roe and sour cream are an elegant twist on traditional latkes and give a salty, tangy note to this classic holiday dish.
The Backstory: The very first time I saw salmon roe, it was dotted ever-so-perfectly a[…]-READ-MORE>

Your favorite holiday meal, only lighter and a healthier (but just as juicy!)
The Backstory: Who doesn’t love a moist, tender brisket at the holidays? No one, I know! Well now you can have your delicious brisket and not feel g[…]-READ-MORE>

Fresh, tangy, and perfect as a side to just about any meal, our marinated cucumber salad beats any store bought version and is light, healthy and refreshing.
The Backstory: You know all those pre-made salads and sides at your […]-READ-MORE>

There are many ways to make this classic side, but our crispy potato kugel is savory from green onions with a surprise topping that takes it over the edge!
The Backstory: This crispy potato kugel recipe was given to me when I[…]-READ-MORE>

Juicy fruit compote is the easiest way to showcase ripe fruit or use fruit that’s about to turn overripe. Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream and enjoy!
The Backstory: Fruit Compote is one of the easiest dishes to put together[…]-READ-MORE>

A retro-dessert that’s just divine! Marshmallows, fruit, coconut and cherries combine in creamy dessert that’s truly addicting.
The Backstory: For as long as I can remember, I grew up thinking that Ambrosia Fruit Salad was a […]-READ-MORE>

Lemon Poppy Seed cake is sweet, tart, moist and truly melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
The Backstory: I’m a firm believer that you should be able to have your cake and not feel guilty about it. After all, life is about enjoying o[…]-READ-MORE>