About the Book
A Love Letter to Family, Food, and Faith
Part memoir, part cookbook, and entirely heartwarming, Nana Lena’s Kitchen is a tribute to the strength of women, the power of tradition, and the healing magic of a good meal shared with loved ones.
With equal parts humor, warmth, and wisdom, Amy Ostrower invites readers into the world of her grandmother Lena Goodman—a spirited woman whose kitchen was the heart of her Southern Jewish home. Whether preparing a Passover meal or comforting a neighbor with a plate of kugel, Lena served up more than just food—she served life lessons that have lasted for generations.
A Journey Through Time and Tradition
We watch Lena grow from a young girl in Berkley, Virginia to a beloved matriarch. Born on the Fourth of July in 1912 to immigrant parents, her life spans some of the most defining moments in modern history:
- The 1918 Flu Epidemic
- The Great Depression
- World War II
- The rise of Jewish-American culture
- The invention of indoor plumbing (!)
Yet through all the changes and challenges, Lena’s values—family, faith, resilience, and love—never wavered.
Recipes with Soul
Each chapter pairs a heartfelt story with a cherished family recipe. From matzo ball soup to brisket, challah to kugel, these are the dishes that brought generations to the table. The recipes are simple, approachable, and seasoned with memory.
“These stories read almost like folk tales… fables passed down with love.”
Whether you’re a daughter, mother, bubbie, or friend—or just someone who loves a good story with their supper—Nana Lena’s Kitchen is a book to treasure.
What’s Inside:
- 30+ authentic family recipes
- Inspirational, touching family stories
- Jewish traditions through a Southern lens
- A celebration of intergenerational wisdom
Perfect For:
- Family historians and memory-keepers
- Jewish readers seeking cultural connection
- Food lovers with a taste for tradition
- Anyone missing their grandmother’s hugs and home cooking
Ready to open the oven—and your heart?
Get your copy now on Amazon.