Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


The Backstory: Growing up in South Africa, applesauce was never a regular feature at the holiday table. Since coming to the States, though, I’ve been introduced to this yummy accompaniment, which is a great addition to most Sha[…]-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>

The Backstory: While it’s certainly not a traditional Jewish dish, my family were always pasta lovers and Baked Ziti has been a staple in my home for years. Especially when my kids lived at home, I made this dish so many times,[…]-READ-MORE>

Phyllis’s Spinach Pie is one of our top-rated recipes and the ultimate comfort food. This decadent dish is a perfect side or lunch with a salad. Double the recipe and make two (freeze one!)
The Backstory: My mother-in-law is re[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: Fish tempura is one of the most delicious ways to enjoy fish and satisfy your cravings for something crunchy and savory. Oh sure, it’s fried, but frying with a tempura batter is completely different than frying wit[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: What is it with Jews and fiber? With an opening question like that, I can only say that I wish my father was here, because he’d have about 50 jokes, ready to go. More of the Backstory after the recipe…
Bran Muf[…]-READ-MORE>

Start this slow-cooking, traditional cholent stew the night before Shabbat for a delicious, cook-free Friday night.
The Backstory: Traditional cholent is a savory, fork-tender stew that dates back thousands of years. It was ap[…]-READ-MORE>

Crumbly, cinnamon, and coffee–the perfect trio!
The Backstory: My Aunt Alice was one of those fabulous characters who always seemed to be floating into a room on a cloud of color, perfume and fashionable clothing. She wore pe[…]-READ-MORE>

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

Exactly what mandel bread should be: crisp, sweet, and golden brown.
The Backstory: I met Lorraine about a year ago. She was a fill in at a Mah Jongg game. When you play Mah Jongg (or any game) with the same group of girls[…]-READ-MORE>

A smooth, creamy, classic that will remind you of days gone by.
The Backstory: One of the recipes that my cousin Rhonda shared with me is her famous, to-die-for rice pudding. I don’t know of one person that doesn’t like th[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: Let’s just get this over with and call it what it is: we’re talking about a cow’s tongue. Plain and simple. And I know that when most people hear the word tongue, well, at least some of them cringe. Understandabl[…]-READ-MORE>