Hello! Welcome to Retrolillies! I’m Chaya, the writer, baker and picture taker behind this blog.
Here, I combine my love of well made, seasonal kosher food with my love for the written word. You’ll find find some of my favorite savory recipes for the Swiss, Jewish and American foods I grew up with, as well as baked goods using fresh, luscious fruits and whole grain flours. You’ll read about special cooking techniques, get baking tricks and tips I’ve picked up along the years and gain insight into what takes recipes from good to great.
Above all, I hope you’ll be inspired. Food, with its special combination of taste, texture and scent, has power unlike anything else. With it, you can forge connections, evoke long forgotten memories and create beautiful new ones.
Close your eyes. Inhale the tang of a lemon. Feel the silky rub of butter between flour. Watch yeast bubble and swell as it comes alive, and experience the change in seasons firsthand through what’s on your plate.
Cook something. Bake something. And of course, don’t forget to say hi. I always love hearing from you.
Happy reading,
Chaya
Are all the pictures featured on your blog original?
Yep, unless otherwise specified! I took a photography course at FIT one summer and am mostly self taught. Still a complete newbie, still learning lots. I like shooting in natural light when I can.
What camera do you use?
A Canon EOS 6D. I use a standard 50mm 1.8 lens, a 60mm 2.8 lens and a telephoto lens. I’d love to get into film one day.
How did you learn how to bake?
I taught myself! I baked, cooked and practiced lots and I learned even more when I interned as a pastry cook at a Brooklyn restaurant. At 19, I worked as a bread baker in an artisanal bakery and was trained in the art of making, baking and shaping sourdough bread. I love that I get to learn even more as I work.
Are all your recipes original?
Most are! Some of the recipes on this site are adaptations of recipes I love, carefully curated and edited from the best websites and cookbooks. In that case, I always provide proper credit and rewrite the recipe in my own words.
Can I use a picture from your blog?Shoot me an email at retrolillies@gmail.com about the picture in question!
Do you sell any of your food and are you available for cooking demos?
Sadly, while I used to sell pastries + baked goods from my kitchen, I no longer have the time to do so, as work has become all encompassing.
How can we collaborate?
As a recipe developer, food stylist and food photographer and writer, I’m available for magazine work, online columns, guest blog posts, photography, recipe development and videos and editorials. As well, I give cooking and baking demos around the tri-state area. Email me (retrolillies@gmail.com) so we can discuss options!
What do you love most about blogging and working in the food industry?
I love that I get to express myself creatively in this line of work and I am grateful to have so many outlets for my passions. I also really enjoy sharing what I know with lively and appreciative readers + audiences. But the best part for me has been meeting talented, fearless and inspiring women. I’ve loved getting to become a part of this community and am constantly in awe of the dedication and creativity people have for their craft.
You might have seen me on…
Food and Wine , The Nosher , The Feed Feed, Times of Israel, Delish.com, Food52 , Conde Nast Traveler , Haaretz
email: retrolillies@gmail.com // instagram: @retrolillies
Your soo cool!!!
I enjoy reading your blog a lot. I love your writing. So glad I came across your blog 🙂
thank you! that is such a sweet compliment. I hope you keep following along 🙂
I want to make your recipe for Chanukah Babkah Doughnuts. Do I have to serve them the same day that I fry them or can I fry them a day or two ahead? Which way will they be best?
Hi! They are best right after frying or same day.
Just came across your blog and I love it! Looking forward to to following your next posts😊
thank you so much! hope you enjoy 🙂
Ohmigosh I’m loving your blog and I am thanking the heavens for discovering this! Your photos are mouthwatering! 😍 kudos, keep it up!
Thanks so much Shayne! You’re too kind. Hope you keep following along and enjoying!
hi chaya, i just found your blog via pinterest. your recipe for the biscotti is featured on my blog today with all appropriate mentions. i hope you are ok with me sharing this. i’ll be promoting it via my social media today if so. love your blog btw. dana at danacaseydesign p.s. plus you write in lowercase too.
Thanks for asking! I really appreciate that. It’s totally fine by me. Have a great day!
Hi Chaya! Just stumbled upon your blog and glad that I did it, it’s cute and beautiful! 🙂
Looking forward to read new posts and chat. 🙂
~Mila
Thanks so much! You are really sweet. Looking forward to getting to know you!
This is such an AWSOME blog! I love all the outfits and duh of course the food! Yum so delicious! Can you post some pesach outfits? And say where each item of clothing is from?
Thank you! Outfit posts are definitely harder to shoot, but I’ll try to post some spring ones! All the outfit posts have outfit details right under the first picture.
I love your blog its soo cute ❤❤❤
Thank you, you’re such a sweetie! Love you and miss you 😘
Great blog, couldn’t agrre more
Good tips for new bloggers. So many people focus on Page rank. Page rank is useless if the site doesn’t have good content.
I just want to tell you that I’m all new to blogs and absolutely loved you’re blog. I’m likely to bookmark your blog post . You actually have outstanding writings. Thanks a lot for your website page.
many thanks, it’s simply accessible and has countless good ideas and tips. the primary of my 2 favorite options are the pages where they’ll begin with an item or a handful of things that function inspiration for your space.
This post is informative for me and all other readers.
i found your blog when i was looking for a different sort of information but i was very happy and glad to read through your blog. the information available here is great.
Do you have a Facebook page or twitter handle??
I enjoy, cause I found exactly what I used to be looking for. You’ve ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you. Have a great day. Bye