About

Welcome to Meatballs and Matzah Balls!

I’m Marcia Friedman, and I’m the author of two cookbooks, Meatballs and Matzah Balls: Recipes and Reflections from a Jewish and Italian Life and The Essential Jewish Cookbook: 100 Easy Recipes for the Modern Jewish Kitchen. Here I’m thrilled to continue to share recipes and my love of Jewish and Italian foods and their stories and traditions.

When I converted to Judaism, I found myself at the intersection of my adopted Jewish heritage and my inherited Sicilian one. These culinary traditions at first seemed separate but I quickly discovered they overlap beautifully and deliciously. And I know I share this joy of blending traditions with other Jews-by-choice and with those whose backgrounds, partnerships, and families combine Jewish and Italian heritages. I fondly call us all meatball matzah balls, after my signature recipe.

As a home cook, I’ve savored exploring these food traditions, from the Ashkenazi foods of my husband’s family’s heritage, to the Sicilian and Italian foods of my father’s side, to the distinct foods of Italy’s Jewish community, to the overlaps of Jewish and Italian food cultures in America, and to new dishes celebrating aspects of both traditions. I also remain endlessly fascinated by the global nature of Jewish food and how it tells the Jewish story.

My food journey continues, and I’m happy you’re here. Please enjoy the site, and stay in touch!