Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


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>

Our sweet, crunchy mixture of fruit, nuts, wine, and spices make our sweet and nutty charoset a taste you’ll recall from childhood. It’s so good, you’ll eat it by the spoonful.
The Backstory: Hosting a Passover Seder can be over[…]-READ-MORE>

Fresh smoked salmon is folded into fresh cream cheese in this easy, one step recipe.
The Backstory: This is without a doubt, the easiest, two-ingredient recipe in the world, but totally worth making. I know, I know, you can bu[…]-READ-MORE>

Tender and slightly chewy, these easy kasha kreplach are just perfect for soups or for serving as an appetizer with a tangy dip.
The Backstory: I have to admit that I’ve never had kasha kreplach in my entire life (bad Jew, I k[…]-READ-MORE>

Creamy potatoes layered over zesty beef in a savory tomato sauce make Mom’s Shepherd’s Pie comfort food the whole family will enjoy.
The Backstory: Shepherd Pie, is one of my mom’s Summer Specials. That is the only time she […]-READ-MORE>

Lemon Poppy Seed cake is sweet, tart, moist and truly melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
The Backstory: I’m a firm believer that you should be able to have your cake and not feel guilty about it. After all, life is about enjoying o[…]-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>

Broccoli cheddar soup in a bread bowl is as decadent as you can get, and this easy recipe is Kosher and can be made ahead! YUM!.
The Backstory: I have had bread bowl soups a couple of times in restaurants and particularly when[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: When most people think of mint sauce, their first reaction is: lamb. And that makes sense as mint is traditionally paired with mint jelly or mint sauce of some kind. But mint sauce is truly versatile and while it’s[…]-READ-MORE>

Make someone’s morning with a stack of perfect pancakes These fluffy, vanilla-infused beauties are easy to make and simply addicting.
The Backstory: Breakfast and brunch are my all-time favorite meals (my father was a bagel ba[…]-READ-MORE>

Nana’s perfect chopped liver is the only chopped liver recipe you’ll ever need. It’s creamy, classic, and works as a dip, spread, or filling for sandwiches.
The Backstory: My Aunt Sandy makes the most wonderful, melt-in-your-m[…]-READ-MORE>

Perfect gravy every time with this easy recipe.
The Backstory: Making a gravy can be very tricky. Too much flour, not enough liquid, incorrect seasonings, and next thing you know, you’ve got a mess on your hands. That is why[…]-READ-MORE>