Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


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>

Citrus glazed salmon is tart, sweet, and crunchy with slivered almonds. This is our go-to salmon recipe for weeknight dinners or family get-togethers.
The Backstory: Can you not imagine the sweet and tangy deliciousness of thi[…]-READ-MORE>

Tender dumplings in golden chicken broth are the cure for whatever ails you.
The Backstory: Kreplach, those delicious dumplings that bathe in our worshiped chicken soup, are one of the pillars of Jewish soul food. These meat f[…]-READ-MORE>

Buttery pastry and sweet and nutty filling make these Hungarian pastry crescents melt in your mouth.
The Backstory: These delicious little cookies are very similar to rugelach but their texture is a little more dense. Also, un[…]-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>

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>

The Backstory: When it comes to Rack of Lamb, it can be said that this is one of the most tasty, elegant dishes you can serve. I was raised on meat and potatoes. Mom made lamb chops occasionally. It was not the baby chops. it w[…]-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>

Blini with smoked salmon are elegant appetizers that hit on all fronts: salty, creamy, and perfect two bite noshes.
The Backstory: I first went to The Russian Tea Room in 1999. I was 35 years old and as a born and bred New Yor[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: My family always loved soup. It’s just one of those comfort foods, like stew, meat loaf and roasted chicken that always warms the soul. I admit, it took me a long time to learn how to prepare soup so that they […]-READ-MORE>

This velvety sweet and savory soup is the perfect first course for Thanksgiving or any festive fall meal. Add some warm crusty bread and enjoy.
The Backstory: Let me just come right out and say it: I am not a soup lover. More […]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: This is so easy and delicious to make. I live alone, and I look for recipes that take me little time and little prep. I also make this for my niece-in-law Phyllis. I try to vary my menu when she comes for dinne[…]-READ-MORE>