I got this Passover Walnut Cake recipe from my mom decades ago. It has languished in my "Jewish holiday" recipe folder. Written on small yellowing sheets from a hotel that my mom never stayed in (but where she may well have had tea on a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art), the recipe represented for me a memory of Seders past. Each year I have passed it by, barely giving it a second thought as I put together the Seder menu. Instead, for past Seders, I chose sexier desserts. Deeply ... read more
Simple Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
I love to make "mitzvah meals and snacks." In other words, using what I have on hand, and not letting food go to waste. Besides making me feel good (and hopefully gaining points with my beloved, a "waste not want not" kind of guy), hopefully the mitzvah food is delicious. And so it was with these Simple Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins. Now I know that I should be thinking about Passover. And probably filling my freezer with all kinds of flourless treats. Or at least making my seder menu. But let ... read more
Irish-American Soda Bread for St. Patrick’s Day
I originally published this Irish-American soda bread recipe in 2012. I've made it countless times since then, for St.Patty's Day and at other times. Now in 2024, I decided to update the post. The ... read more
Elegant Beet Fennel Salad for Valentine’s Day
I'm a chocoholic. And like anyone with a sweet tooth, Valentine's Day brings up thoughts of candy. But I'm trying to cook and eat healthier foods. So I present this Elegant Beet Fennel Salad as a ... read more
Fabulous Salad Makes Entertaining Easy
If you’re reading this post, you’re likely already sold on the notion that home cooking beats take-out. But this is 2024, so you’re also likely pressed for time, overscheduled, and/or just plain ... read more
Secret Ingredient Crispy Granola
Are you tired of pumpkin everything yet? I do pumpkin with the best of them. Pumpkin scones, pumpkin butter - even chili with pumpkin and pumpkin-filled pavlovas to name just a few. But I'm happy to ... read more