My mother and I were very close. With only 18 years apart, we did everything together, and I often found myself observing her. I saw a young woman’s naiveté confronted with hardships. I witnessed her overcome them all with her incomparable tenacity. Like many women from that generation, the only education she ever received was one of domestication: how to be a perfect wife and mother. She was taught how to cook and bake, but no one educated her on how to put food on the table. And it was her grit, determination and perseverance that made her creative in the kitchen. When she cooked, she made miracles. Because she had to. And yet, whatever the dish, it always turned out to be the most amazing thing anyone's ever tasted. Not just to me or my siblings, but to the countless friends she’s hosted over the years.

From her, I’ve learned to maximize what’s in the fridge, keep recipes simple, from prep time to appliances, and prioritize flavors. My hope is to share the traditions our mothers and grandmothers handed down to us by making them simple enough to include the nostalgia of those Jewish Moroccan flavors into our everyday lives—not just the Holidays. I’m excited to share a dose of reminiscence with every recipe, from traditional ones we love, to new ones I’ve invented and refined over the years. No matter the recipe, one thing’s always for sure: they’re all inspired by Solange Candero, my mother. My inspiration.