Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


The Backstory: My girlfriend Gloria is an excellent cook. About 30 years ago my husband and I were invited to her home for dinner. This casserole was one of the delectable foods she prepared that night. Whatever she served wa[…]-READ-MORE>

Mom’s Perfect Kugel is my go-to kugel for every holiday. Apricot preserves, vanilla notes, and a crunchy, to-die-for topping, put it over the top. This is my most-requested recipe.
The Backstory: If you put five (or 50) Jewish[…]-READ-MORE>

This is the ultimate lemon squares recipe! They are creamy, tart, sweet, and just the most perfect balance of flavors.
The Backstory: Lemon squares are by far, one of my top ten favorite desserts. As I’ve waxed poetic before, […]-READ-MORE>

Our fresh fruit salad has a light citrus and vanilla sauce that makes it a perfect ending to any meal or an ideal snack when you’re craving something sweet.
The Backstory: This refreshing, light, and juicy fresh fruit salad is[…]-READ-MORE>

The perfect marriage of two Jewish culinary staples. What more can we say?
The Backstory: Admit it: there is no more perfect meal than this. A perfectly baked everything bagel, all hot, chewy, and just a few minutes out of t[…]-READ-MORE>

Our Lemon Poppy Seed Loan is both sweet and tart and pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, or as a kids’ snack in a lunchbox.
The Backstory: So here’s the thing: I don’t like poppy seed bagels (sorry, Dad), or poppy s[…]-READ-MORE>

These delicious tarts are so simple to make and they turn out the most delicious summer dessert. Puff Pastry Plum Tarts also work with apples, peaches, and berries and will become one of your favorite go-to desserts.
The Backst[…]-READ-MORE>

Poached pears in fruit juice is an elegant ending to any holiday or Shabbat meal and it takes only minutes to make.
The Backstory: This delicious dessert is a perfect choice for the High Holidays, a special occasion, or anytim[…]-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>

Classic twice-baked cookies dressed up with candied fruit. Jewish biscotti?
The Backstory: There are so many variation of these cookies. Everyone who has ever baked Mandel Bread, will tell you that theirs is the best. And […]-READ-MORE>

Stuffed tomatoes are the perfect side with just the right amount of cheese, bread crumbs, and seasonings. Better yet, they cook up in 10 minutes or less!
The Backstory: At just about every Bar and Bat Mitvah I attended growing[…]-READ-MORE>

Sweet and slightly chewy, Mom’s cheese blintzes are so delicious, you’ll never be able to stop at just one. Perfect for your next family brunch!
The Backstory: The history behind Mom’s cheese blintzes–or any cheese blintz, fo[…]-READ-MORE>