I never understood the “double crust” pie. I mean, even the flakiest, most tender crust is satisfying enough as a single layer, in my humble opinion. But streusel topping? Now … more

The holidays culminate next week with the joy of Simchat Torah. Before we settle down to the long year ahead and the approaching dark winter days, we celebrate with dancing and singing and, for … more

Chanukah is coming! I am excited. Like a kid, I get excited over this holiday because, as a kid, it meant that I would see my paternal grandparents for almost a whole day and that all my cousins … more

Some recipe ideas come together on the first try, without any mess or fuss. Others are true labors of love, like grains that simmer and simmer but never get soft … more

Chanukah is a holiday that takes over everything. The pantry overflows with bottles of oil and baking ingredients at the ready, kids decorate the house with dreidels and chocolate gelt coins, the … more

I am getting my article in later than usual this week (and it’s usually pretty late!). You see, my husband Jerry was visiting Israel, to see his marred son, married daughter and six … more

There’s a reason chicken is a bit of a Friday night staple: Before Jews came to America, red meat simply wasn’t abundantly available and therefore saved for special occasions. But also, … more

Yesterday was the last birthday celebration for my sixtieth birthday. It all started three days before my birthday, on March 1st. We were invited to the Grossers for Friday night dinner for my … more

THESE days, we are lucky to have so many options for high-end restaurants in the tri-state area. And while that’s obviously a good thing, it leads to different attitudes from the two different … more

My perfect summer day starts with a very early breakfast followed by a long walk on the beach. Then I spend the rest of the day in a comfy chair under a big umbrella with a pile of books … more