Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


Almond-crusted pound cake gives plain old pound cake a crunchy, nutty makeover in this easy, delicious recipe.
The Backstory: I have always loved vanilla cakes, good homemade gold cakes, and pound cakes in particular for the s[…]-READ-MORE>

Smoked salmon and caviar toasts are a delectable, elegant appetizer that will wow your guests and are easy to make. What more could you ask for?
The Backstory: The first time I had caviar was at famed The Russian Tea Room in t[…]-READ-MORE>

An old-fashioned dessert gets an elegant, modern makeover.
The Backstory: One of my favorite childhood memories is stopping off at a bakery not too far from my father’s own bagel bakery in Borough Park, Brooklyn to pick up a c[…]-READ-MORE>

Kosher chicken kabobs turn up the flavor of chicken into a savory, zesty, sweet and tangy dish that’s perfect anytime you’re firing up the grill.
The Backstory: Kosher Chicken Kabobs are just one of the hundreds, (if not more)[…]-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>

Walk down memory lane with this creamy, rich, diner-style classic pudding.
The Backstory: I distinctly remember walking into the Caravelle Diner in Brooklyn, not too far from my dad’s bagel bakery and coming face to face with […]-READ-MORE>

This gorgeous, tender green is roasted to sweet perfection and dressed up with a drizzle of oil and a sprinkling of fresh herbs. This is the perfect side to any main course.
The Backstory: Roasted Spinach is one of the easiest[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: Whenever I make this side dish, I am reminded of the Jewish holidays. In the early years of my life, my mom always had sweet potatoes as a side dish for every special occasion. Truth be told, the sweet potatoes mo[…]-READ-MORE>

Nutty, buttery, and truly addicting, our cinnamon almond brittle is crunchy, sweet, and packed with nuts and cinnamon. You won’t be able to stop nibbling!
The Backstory: Recently my friend Lorraine gave me a recipe for Torrone[…]-READ-MORE>

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>

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>

Braised short ribs are tender, savory, hearty, and the meat just falls off the bone. A perfect Shabbat or holiday meal.
The Backstory: Braised short ribs sound much more complicated to cook than they really are and truth be to[…]-READ-MORE>