I was about 6 and off to Sunday school to celebrate Tu B’Shevat. That’s when I learned it was a birthday party — for trees. Well, at least there would be birthday cake? … more

A pastry chef who trained in France, Shoyer is the author of “The Kosher Baker,” “The Holiday Kosher Baker,” “The Healthy Jewish … more

On each night of Chanukah, we light the menorah to remember the Maccabees and the miracle of the oil that lasted much longer than expected. This year, another seeming miracle — that of … more

In researching some history for the intro to this column, I came across Washington’s 1789 proclamation for the first Thanksgiving in which he mentioned the “peaceable and rational … more

I clearly remember the first time we took our daughter apple picking because it was my first time also. (I must have missed those school trips.) She was about 2-1/2 … more

Sometimes, it is the little things that children remember and carry with them into the next generation. I wonder if that is why we have continued to build sukkot each year for so many millennia? We … more

D uring the past few years, I have noticed that more than a few of my friends and relatives have become vegetarians (or “mostly vegetarians”). And there’s been a lot of … more

Coaxing the edible seeds out of a pomegranate is a popular how-to topic. Some swear by the whack-with-a-wooden-spoon method; others massage out those ruby-red arils in a bowl of water to keep things … more

I know, I know; it’s summer. Must we think of all the cooking now? With the sun beating down, camp finishing up and vacations still in the works, who’s ready for packing book … more

I loved having my kids home in the summer; it was the perfect time to get them involved in the kitchen and get them interested in nutritious food — from growing it in the garden to … more