Food Friends: Home Cooking Made Easy

Food Friends
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Food Friends: Home Cooking Made Easy

Do you love home cooking but hunger for better recipes that help you deliver quick and delicious meals to your dinner table? Two former personal chefs turned best friends share their expertise with each other and you! Kari and Sonya have been inspiring each other in the kitchen for over 15 years by swapping recipes, tips, and trade secrets in the pursuit of better home cooking. FOOD FRIENDS is a bi-weekly podcast inspiring home cooks to try new dishes in the kitchen by sharing trusted recipes, tips, and friendship. Every Tuesday, each host delivers 3 unique solutions to seasonal home cooking, like: how to make craveable soups with your farmers market haul, the easiest one-pot meals for busy nights, or what to do with leftover rotisserie chicken. On Thursdays, we serve up a pint-sized chat about our “Best Bite” of the week, pantry essentials we can’t live without, and more. Previous guests include Seth & Lauren Rogen, actor Randall Park & writer/director Evan Goldberg, and NY Times Recipe Developer, Sue Li! If you’re looking for a boost of fun in the kitchen by discovering recipes that will make mealtime easier and more delicious with a healthy dose of laughter, then you’ll want to dig in with FOOD FRIENDS! First-time listener? Tune into Episode 2: Don’t send flowers, send soup! and Episode 4: What do you bring to a potluck?

  1. Cookbooks that made us better home cooks! Our top 10 favorites

    1 DAY AGO

    Cookbooks that made us better home cooks! Our top 10 favorites

    Have you ever wondered which cookbooks truly deserve a spot on your kitchen shelf?  Whether you’re dreaming of wowing guests with holiday-perfect cinnamon rolls or mastering a melt-in-your-mouth pot roast, the right cookbook can be a game-changer for any home cook. In this episode, we’re diving into the cookbooks that have shaped how we cook—well-loved gems with splattered pages, the ones we gift over and over, and the timeless classics that every home chef should own. By the end of the episode you’ll discover: Why a cookbook with a collection of diverse recipes can be just as (if not more) supportive than one from a single author’s voiceHow a chef from a top restaurant can teach you professional techniques that transform home cookingThe standout recipes from best-selling cookbooks that you’ll want to make on repeat Hit play to uncover how these books spark joy, build confidence, and turn your everyday cooking into something extra special in the kitchen! *** Sign up for our newsletter here for special offers and opportunities *** Links: Kari’s top 5: Most cooked from: The 150 Best American Recipes, by Fran McCullough and Molly Stevens Most inspiring: Food of Life: Ancient Persian and Modern Iranian Cooking and Ceremonies, by Najmieh Batmanglij Gifted the most to others: Sonya’s cookbook Braids, and The Cooks Illustrated Cookbook Life changing: The Improvisational Cook, by Sally Schneider Biggest influence: The Santa Monica Farmers’ Market Cookbook, by Amelia Satlzman  Sonya’s top 5: Most cooked from: Jerusalem by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi Most inspiring: Summer Kitchens by Olia Hercules Gifted the most ot others: Marcella Hazan’s Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking and Julia Turshen’s Small Victories Life changing: The Book of Jewish Food by Claudia Roden Biggest influence: a href="https://www.amazon.com/Prune-Gabrielle-Hamilton/dp/0812994094" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    30 min
  2. Two weekday comfort foods! A healthy viral soup and a nutty, chocolatey cookie, our best home cooking bites of the week

    6 DAYS AGO

    Two weekday comfort foods! A healthy viral soup and a nutty, chocolatey cookie, our best home cooking bites of the week

    Do you love the smell of simmering soup and freshly baked cookies filling your kitchen... but don't think you can manage cooking all that on a busy weekday? In this bite-sized episode, we share delicious moments about the best things we ate this week to inspire each other – and you!  You’ll want to make a super easy, viral "glow" soup; it's velvety, full of nutrients, and fully plant-based. And for dessert, you’ll get inspired to whip up perfectly crispy-edged, chewy, chocolate chunk tahini cookies that come together in minutes. Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!  Links: The viral TikTok “Glow Soup” by Maddie Harrington/Nutriouslyeasy Olia Hercules’ Tarragon Soup from her cookbook Kaukasis: The culinary journey through Georgia, Azerbaijan & Beyond Sonya’s tahini chocolate chunk cookies  King Arthur’s regeneratively-grown climate blend flour (not sponsored) Adrian Hale’s Mama Bread cookbook for more whole grain baking inspiration *** Got a cooking question? Call in and leave us a voicemail on our kitchen phone! 323-452-9084 Sign up for our newsletter here for special offers and opportunities Order Sonya's debut cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes! We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!

    13 min
  3. What appetizers do you serve at a party? Cooking our favorite holiday hors d'oeuvres at home

    19 NOV

    What appetizers do you serve at a party? Cooking our favorite holiday hors d'oeuvres at home

    This holiday season, are you searching for easy party snacks that you can make-ahead so you can relax and enjoy your own party?  Whether you're asked to bring an appetizer to a gathering or you’re hosting a holiday get-together, coming up with fresh, crowd-pleasing hors d’oeuvres can be a challenge. This episode offers creative party snacks from two former personal chefs who will help you create a memorable party! In this episode, you’ll discover: Expert tips for transforming a simple starter like olives and almonds Recipes that can be scaled up for large parties or scaled down for intimate gatherings, with tips from entertaining mavens like Martha Stewart. Decadent ideas that include a bit of caviar, to irresistible comforting appetizers like nostalgic queso dip Listen now to discover a world of party snacks that will keep your guests talking and your gatherings deliciously unforgettable! *** Sign up for our Substack for more support in the kitchen! *** Links Martha Stewart’s blanched snowpeas stuffed with boursin cheese Endive boats with pear and blue cheese from The Yellow Table Amelia Satlsman’s roasted almonds and green olives, you can also find her squash puree for crostini in the The Santa Monica Farmers’ Market Cookbook or try this butternut squash puree  Three ingredient goat cheese stuffed dates from Live Eat Learn  Sonya’s beet-cured gravlax  Ottolenghi’s butternut squash and tahini spread Tarte au soleil from Smitten Kitchen  Mississippi roast by Jenn Crippen for All Recipes, and the NYT Cooking version  Classic queso dip from All Recipes, and one without the Velveeta from Recipe Tin Eats *** Got a cooking question? Call in and leave us a voicemail on our kitchen phone! 323-452-9084 Sign up for our newsletter here for special offers and opportunities Order Sonya's debut cookbooka...

    31 min
  4. Two seasonal make-ahead salads to look forward to! Our best home cooking bites of the week

    14 NOV

    Two seasonal make-ahead salads to look forward to! Our best home cooking bites of the week

    Are you in search of a salad that actually tastes exciting AND you can make-ahead for meal prep or your next potluck?  In this bite-sized episode, we share delicious moments about the best things we ate this week to inspire each other – and you!  By the end of this episode, you’ll discover two winning make-ahead seasonal salads. You’ll want to try a colorful, nutty Napa cabbage salad that will hold up for days, or an equally stunning radicchio salad filled with comforting bites of dates and salted walnuts.  **** Want more support in the kitchen? We’re expanding our offerings and would love your input. Fill out our survey and enter our giveaway! *** LINKS: Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!  Sonya’s Napa cabbage salad with peanut dressing  Gochujang salmon from Cooking Therapy David Tanis’ persimmon salad with radicchio and walnuts from NYT Cooking, and radicchio salad with dates and hazelnuts by Joanna Weir from Epicurious  Indian pav bhaji from Indian Healthy Recipes, and another from Cook with Manal Pomegranate molasses salad dressing by Maureen Abood and whole grain dijon maple vinaigrette from Plays Well With Butter *** Got a cooking question? Call in and leave us a voicemail on our kitchen phone! 323-452-9084 Sign up for our newsletter here for special offers and opportunities Order Sonya's debut cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes! We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!

    11 min
  5. 5 Essential Thanksgiving Dishes! Our top foolproof recipes for every home cook

    12 NOV

    5 Essential Thanksgiving Dishes! Our top foolproof recipes for every home cook

    Do you feel overwhelmed by the onslaught of Thanksgiving recipes and techniques coming at you? Tune into our episode to unlock your best holiday meal. We’re covering 5 essentials: classic roast turkey, the creamiest mashed potatoes, rich gravy, an exciting veggie side, and a stunning dessert. By the end of this episode, you’ll discover: Reliable tips and techniques for the perfect (never dry) turkeyThe secret to creamy, make-ahead mashed potatoes Simple, standout touches to veggies sides and desserts that will impress your guests  Listen now to create a Thanksgiving feast filled with essential dishes and expert tips that guarantee a smooth, memorable holiday!  *** Sign up for our newsletter here for special offers and opportunities! *** Links: Classic plug-in turkey roaster How to dry brine a turkey from The Kitchn Digital meat thermometer Sonya’s go-to roast turkey  Turkey stock from roasted turkey wings from How Sweet Eats Classic last-minute gravy with turkey stock by Julia Moskin and Kim Severeson for NYT Cooking Ultra creamy mashed potatoes made with a ricer or food mill by Andy Baraghani for Bon Appetit And perfect mashed potatoes (no special gear required) by Elise Bauer for Simply Recipes How to reheat mashed potatoes from The Kitchn Hetty Lui McKinnon’s sticky gochujang brussels sprouts from her cookbook Tenderheart a...

    36 min
  6. Can mushrooms turn your week around? Our best home cooking bites of the week

    7 NOV

    Can mushrooms turn your week around? Our best home cooking bites of the week

    Have you ever picked up a haul of mushrooms and felt stumped on how to make the most of them?  In this bite-sized episode, we share delicious moments about the best things we ate this week to inspire each other – and you!  By the end of this episode, you’ll discover how a kitchen fail can take an unexpected turn thanks to the gift of foraged mushrooms. And you’ll learn how to make a seasonal upgrade to classic French onion soup that relies on a slow cooker and some simple roasted mushrooms.  Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!  *** Links: Mushroom brush Sauteed chanterelles mushrooms with butter and garlic from The Polonist Mushroom and gruyere grilled cheese from Always from Scratch Slow cooker caramelized onions from Gimme Some Oven Garlic butter roasted mushrooms  from Smitten Kitchen  Caramelized French onion and mushroom soup from Williams Sonoma (just add farro to make it like Kari’s!) Slow cooker beans from Jennifer’s Kitchen Slow cooker apple butter from Family Food On The Table *** Want more support in the kitchen? We’re expanding our offerings and would love your input. Fill out our survey and enter our giveaway! *** Got a cooking question? Call in and leave us a voicemail on our kitchen phone! 323-452-9084 Sign up for our newsletter here for special offers and opportunities Order Sonya's debut cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes! We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!

    14 min
  7. Plant forward home cooking, with Justine Doiron of Justine Snacks

    5 NOV

    Plant forward home cooking, with Justine Doiron of Justine Snacks

    Are you bored with serving the same old veggie recipes week after week? Do you wish you could transform everyday ingredients into easy, vibrant, plant-forward meals?  Tune in to our conversation with Justine Doiron of Justine Snacks. Justine has inspired countless home cooks with her viral vegetable-centric recipes and her passion for making seasonal produce the star of any meal.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  Pro tips on what to cook with fall favorites like cabbage, squash, and fennelThe simple yet sophisticated 15-minute noodle recipe that’s so good, her friends beg her to make itThe one pantry ingredient that Justine always keeps on hand – and how she uses it to boost any dish Don’t miss this chance to learn about Justine’s practical, approachable take on plant-forward cooking, and bring more vegetable-first, flavor-packed meals into your own kitchen! *** Links: Grab a copy of Justine Doiron’s new cookbook: “Justine Cooks”  Discover more of Justine’s recipes on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and her website *** Recipes from this episode:  Spinach and ricotta gnudi Zhoug beans with crispy potatoes  Crispy lime cabbage with turmeric white bean mash Upside-down blueberry cake Tiramisu cookie The world-famous Butter Board Ina Garten’s engagement roast chicken recipe  *** Want more support in the kitchen? We’re expanding our offerings and would love your input. Fill out our survey and enter our giveaway! Got a cooking question? Call in and leave us a voicemail on our kitchen phone! 323-452-9084 Sign up for our newsletter here for special offers and opportunities Order Sonya's debut cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes! We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!

    28 min
  8. A 10-minute breakfast and the best cabbage for stuffing! Our best bites of the week

    31 OCT

    A 10-minute breakfast and the best cabbage for stuffing! Our best bites of the week

    Want more support in the kitchen? We’re expanding our offerings and would love your input. Fill out our survey and enter our giveaway! *** Is your week feeling extra full and hectic? Are you searching for satisfying meals that will warm up your day?  In this bite-sized episode, we share delicious moments about the best things we ate this week to inspire each other – and you!  You’ll discover a surprising 10-minute breakfast that’s gluten-free and full of flavor, and you’ll also learn how to make a comforting batch of classic cabbage rolls… and what to do if your recipe doesn’t go quite as planned.  Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration! *** Links: Noona buckwheat flour pancake mix Sonya’s stuffed cabbage recipe and her vegetarian stuffed cabbage, both of which can also be found in her cookbook, Braids *** Got a cooking question? Call in and leave us a voicemail on our kitchen phone! 323-452-9084 Sign up for our newsletter here for special offers and opportunities Order Sonya's debut cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes! We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!

    13 min
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About

Do you love home cooking but hunger for better recipes that help you deliver quick and delicious meals to your dinner table? Two former personal chefs turned best friends share their expertise with each other and you! Kari and Sonya have been inspiring each other in the kitchen for over 15 years by swapping recipes, tips, and trade secrets in the pursuit of better home cooking. FOOD FRIENDS is a bi-weekly podcast inspiring home cooks to try new dishes in the kitchen by sharing trusted recipes, tips, and friendship. Every Tuesday, each host delivers 3 unique solutions to seasonal home cooking, like: how to make craveable soups with your farmers market haul, the easiest one-pot meals for busy nights, or what to do with leftover rotisserie chicken. On Thursdays, we serve up a pint-sized chat about our “Best Bite” of the week, pantry essentials we can’t live without, and more. Previous guests include Seth & Lauren Rogen, actor Randall Park & writer/director Evan Goldberg, and NY Times Recipe Developer, Sue Li! If you’re looking for a boost of fun in the kitchen by discovering recipes that will make mealtime easier and more delicious with a healthy dose of laughter, then you’ll want to dig in with FOOD FRIENDS! First-time listener? Tune into Episode 2: Don’t send flowers, send soup! and Episode 4: What do you bring to a potluck?

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