It is rare nowadays for a son to get the opportunity to spend time with his mother, especially when it is not a holiday or tragic event. The following recipes are the result of over two and a half years of arguments, fighting, aggravation, and love. While this may not be the most perfectly refined example of modern cookery, it has heart and many great recipes. This cookbook is also a story. It is the journey of a woman as seen through her son’s eyes. The stories paint a picture of Iraq, Israel, America and most of all, my mother’s remarkable journey, all with the purpose of bringing the reader new ideas, flavors and attitudes to cooking. This book embodies all the joy that comes with feeding the ones you love (and even those that you don’t.)

—Aric Mutchnick

This cookbook is not about the right way of cooking, it is about an attitude towards cooking. A recipe is just a guideline for your creativity and love to flourish. Cooking is about learning, not following the rules. Change any ingredients you like, create your own recipe, and learn from your children. I learned that is there is no formula for raising kids, only love and trying what works. Cooking is no different; it is about love and figuring out what gives you joy. I have never met a recipe I did not change. In cooking, the only authenticity you must pledge loyalty to is yourself.

—Aviva Nadia Kleinbaum

When Aric was a young child, his eyes were 70% of his face. One day he came into the kitchen and said, with a quiver in his voice, "Mom, mom, mom, remember you said people were more important than things?" I had told him repeatedly not to twirl a large crystal bowl; which he loved to do because of the beautiful reflections. He did not listen, and the bowl was in a thousand pieces. But it was impossible to look at that face and feel anything other than love and, also, admiration, for his spirit. Still, he was sent to his room.

His eyes are still 70% of his face; his spirit is still the same wonderful mix of courage, intelligence, humor, adventurousness, and warmth. He became a man with a huge store of compassion for others; who does the right thing without thinking about its costs or difficulty and whose presence creates a wonderful sense of safety. Aric drove this book. It was his idea in the first place, he made sure everything was done just right; he did all the hard work of structuring and writing. He cooked every single dish with me; until he was sure we had absolutely perfected the recipe. We spent a glorious time cooking, fighting, screaming, readjusting and moving on to the next dish. It was a true joy.

My husband, partner, and best friend put a constant smile on my face. He took what I viewed as just food and turned it into art. His love and wisdom have kept the household in balance. My youngest son Danny, my oldest son Ian and his wife Stephanie and my two most perfect grandchildren, Gabe and Mimi, have been a treasure and support throughout the making of this book.

This cookbook is not about the right way of cooking, it is about an attitude towards cooking. You cook for your family and create your own menu together. A recipe is just a guideline for your creativity and love to flourish. Use what is available to you and launch your own cookbook. Cooking is about learning, not following the rules. Change any ingredients you like, create your own recipe, and learn from your children. What I learned is there is no formula for raising kids, only love and learning and trying what works. Cooking is no different; it is about love and learning and figuring out what gives you joy.