Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


The Backstory: Full disclosure: While I’m not quite sure how Easy Marinara Sauce or many of the other Italian-based dishes found their way into so many Jewish homes in general, in my own history, I have a pretty good idea how thi[…]-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>

Our old-fashioned apple walnut cake smells and tastes just like what Bubbie used to make. It’s sweet, crumbly, nutty and perfect for company or a nosh.
The Backstory: As beautiful as this photo is, it simply doesn’t do this ca[…]-READ-MORE>

Our classic carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is the only carrot cake recipe you’ll ever need. It’s decadent, moist and packed with raisins, nuts, and flavor in every single bite.
The Backstory: Let’s be honest: classic c[…]-READ-MORE>

Chicken with peppers is an easy to prepare dinner that turns out succulent chicken with sweet and tender veggies. Perfect for weeknight dinners.
The Backstory: I have been playing Mah Jongg with Maureen for several years. Sh[…]-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: Perhaps one of the all-time great American deli and diner sandwiches is the tuna melt. Simple, savory, crunchy and creamy (but not overly so), this comfort food classic, is definitely high on my list of Jewish food[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: I vividly remember my mother preparing Borscht. But instead of serving this as a soup, she served it to my dad in a glass. My mom did not make this from scratch. She usually had a cold bottle of store-brought b[…]-READ-MORE>

Cold raspberry soup is tart, sweet, refreshing, and a perfect first course for a summer meal. This is also a beautiful appetizer served in shot glasses on trays or even in pretty tea cups for bridal or baby shower.
The Backstor[…]-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>

My Aunt Sandy’s chocolate chip mandel bread is a true classic. This delicious biscotti-like cookie combines the very best of traditional Jewish baking with everyone’s favorite cookie for a no-fail dessert that’s perfect with coffe[…]-READ-MORE>

You’ll never go back to store-bought after you make a batch of our chewy, fruity, wholesome, light granola bars. They’re positively addicting!
The Backstory: These delicious granola bars are the perfect pick-me-up when you’re […]-READ-MORE>