Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


The Backstory:Â I haven’t had roast duck in years. Â Whenever I see this on a menu I immediately think of my mother-in-law, Marcia. Â Marcia wasn’t the best cook in the world. Â She didn’t have to be. For the first 40 years of her[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory:Â When I think of kugel, I can’t help but think of my father doing his standard joke in a heavily accented Polish dialect, “Is it kugel or is it pujjink?” (meaning noodle pudding). You see, when it comes to kugel, mo[…]-READ-MORE>

These are not your bubbie’s prunes–they are sweeter and absolutely delicious!
The Backstory:Â I have a clear and fond memory of my grandparents at their kitchen table in Brooklyn, and my grandmother serving stewed fruit to my […]-READ-MORE>

Chicken with apricot sauce is a perfect blend of sweet and sour and a delicious alternative to beef for a holiday feast.
The Backstory:Â This is one of my go-to recipes for just about any Jewish holiday as it’s always a crowd p[…]-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:Â I first had this deliciously savory egg and tomato dish at my in-[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory:Â Lamb chops are one of my favorite meats. I don’t know of anyone who would disagree with me. Â Except my husband. You see, he was raised on baby lamb chops. Â That is the one food he asked me to never cook. Â He co[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: Strawberry Bread is a nice change of pace from the famous banana bread that is more common. Oh, I am not saying there is anything wrong with the latter, it is delicious. but sometimes a change can be just as good. Â[…]-READ-MORE>

Watch your guests devour this luscious and creamy cake–you won’t have a single slice left.
The Backstory:Â My girlfriend, Lorraine, swears by this cheesecake. She used to make it all the time. I have yet to sample hers, but sh[…]-READ-MORE>

Sweet and scrumptious make this buttery cookie a fantastic treat.
The Backstory:Â First, two disclaimers: don’t be discouraged because this recipe states that the prep time is 2 hours and 10 minutes: the dough has to chill for […]-READ-MORE>

Kosher chicken tempura is crispy, savory, and absolutely delicious. This is a dish you can make at home with a few simple steps and our no-fail recipe.
The Backstory:Â Tempura is one of my go to dishes for something fast and de[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory:Â It’s funny how just about every culture and cuisine has some type (or numerous types) of filled pasta. From kreplach to ravioli to pierogis to shumai and dumplings, people around the world seem to love their noodle[…]-READ-MORE>

Jodi’s cinnamon rolls are sticky, sweet, and pull-apart delicious with raisins, pecans, and melty brown sugar. What could be bad?
The Backstory:Â My son, Morgan and I recently whipped up a batch up of these delicious cinnamon r[…]-READ-MORE>