Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


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>

An old-fashioned dessert gets an elegant, modern makeover.
The Backstory:Â 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>

This creamy, rich, and decadent blue cheese dressing is perfect on everything from salads to baked potatoes to crudite party veggies.
The Backstory:Â Okay, okay, blue cheese isn’t exactly Jewish–I get it. But let’s face it–th[…]-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>

The Backstory: An age old question that Jews will ask when being served this dish “Is it kugel or is it pudding?” And everyone has  an opinion. It is called whatever you want it to be, depending on your age. If you come from a […]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory:Â My cousin Rhonda, who resides in Canada, gave me this recipe. Â It is from her sister, Ricky. The story of my Canadian relatives go back for decades. Â My grandfather and Ricky’s grandmother were brother and sister[…]-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>

Rich, decadent, and a totally indulgent dessert when you really want to go all out.
The Backstory:Â Bread pudding is a rich, hearty, decadent dessert that is thought to be borne out of the age old question of what to do with le[…]-READ-MORE>

Fried kreplach are crispy, delicious, and completely addictive! Â Consider these Jewish pot stickers…you won’t be able to stop at one!
The Backstory:Â Everyone knows kreplach as those delicious soft dumplings that can be foun[…]-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:Â You know all those pre-made salads and sides at your […]-READ-MORE>

Kosher lamb stew is a flavorful one-pot wonder with fork-tender meat and veggies bathing in savory sauce. Just add fresh challah for dipping!
The Backstory:Â This is another comfort, one-pot meal. Â I remember my mom making thi[…]-READ-MORE>

Chocolate and fruit are a marriage made in heaven.
The Backstory:Â Chocolate-covered strawberries are one of the easiest, most elegant, and definitely one of the most romantic desserts, hands down. They also take just minutes t[…]-READ-MORE>