Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


The Backstory: In the sixth grade, I took a home economics class where I learned to set a table for four and to cook three things: cinnamon toast, grilled cheese, and chocolate chip cookies. Not such a bad class for a 12-year-old[…]-READ-MORE>

Homemade English muffins will turn you against store-bought brands forever! They’re light, chewy, and ideal for breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas.
The Backstory: Anything between two pieces of bread is my idea of a go[…]-READ-MORE>

This layered gefilte fish torte is an elegant take on the old classic. It’s easy to make and tastes as good as it looks.
The Backstory: There are hundreds of variations of this classic, Jewish first course but this layered gef[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: My mom made this soup often as it is a traditional Jewish soup that is often found on deli menus and is something that her generation grew up with. Most of the time she made it with beef flanken. When mom used mu[…]-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>

The Backstory: When you really want to shake things up at the holidays, these matzoh balls are just the thing to do it. Three deliciously flavored–and easy to make varieties–spinach, turmeric, and tomato–are simply gorgeous to[…]-READ-MORE>

Tomato herring salad is an oldie but a goodie–a creamy dressing with savory seasoning and fresh herbs make this dish fresh, modern, and worth a second look.
The Backstory: How well I remember the oval can of Tomato Herring my […]-READ-MORE>

Dense, chewy, and oh so chocolaty, this is my go-to brownie recipe, hands down.
The Backstory: I’m a self-confessed sweets addict. I suppose it was destiny, with a baker for a father and a bagel bakery as our family business. […]-READ-MORE>

Happy face pancakes with berries are a welcoming and healthy way to greet kids at the table and make breakfast fun and delicious!
The Backstory: Happy face pancakes with berries are another healthy and fun, kid-friendly meal. […]-READ-MORE>

Kosher Sloppy Joes are a fan favorite for kids young and old. The tangy sauce and juicy beef combination are just too good to resist! Add a side of chips, a salad, or even a dill pickle to round out this classic meal.
The Backs[…]-READ-MORE>

Our noodle and apple casserole tastes like a kugel but presents like a showstopper pie, topped with fruit and swirls of apple baked into the dish.
The Backstory: This gorgeous noodle and apple casserole looks like dessert and[…]-READ-MORE>

Just about the easiest (and most scrumptious) Hamantaschen recipe you’ll ever find.
The Backstory: Purim is a wonderful time of year – we dress up, make some noise and enjoy these delicious cookies. More of the Backstory aft[…]-READ-MORE>