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. 1 DAY AGO

    What’s for lunch? Make-ahead lunches for on-the-go or at home (Re-release)

    This week we're re-releasing a fan-favorite episode. We'll be back with a brand new best bite of the week this Thursday (2/27)! *** Packed lunches just got easier!  If you need a boost for your midday meal, this week we’re sharing expert tips to help you upgrade your lunch game—whether you're meal-prepping for the week ahead or looking to pack something up in minutes. By the end of this episode, you’ll: Learn the 5 elements for building nutritious and customizable "adult lunchables."Discover flavorful, protein-rich salads that can be prepped in advance (and get better over time).Find out how to stock your freezer with satisfying, grab-and-go lunches that are simple, satisfying, and kid-friendly. If you’re craving lunch that’s delicious, quick, and easy to prep, tune in now and take your packed lunches to the next level! Links: Easy adult Lunchable ideas from Nourished by Nic Crispy chickpeas from Minimalist Baker Little Sesame Hummus, Sonya’s favorite store-bought variety Quinoa and broccoli spoon salad by Sohla El-Waylly for the NY Times Herby quinoa salad with feta and pomegranate by Sarah Cook for BBC Good Food Italian pasta salad with homemade dressing from Tastes Better From Scratch, or the classic Italian pasta salad with bottled dressing from Plowing Through Life  Spiced maple roasted carrots with zhoug recipe is in Sonya’s cookbook Braids, and you can find her “health salad” here Kenji Lopez-Alt’s Kale Caesar Salad for Serious Eats Massaged kale salad with tahini dressing from Big Delicious Life Fennel and lentil salad by Yasmin Fahr for NYT Cooking Shaved brussels sprouts salad with walnut and pecorino from NYT Cooking  Homemade bean and cheese burritos and how to freeze them from Two Peas and their Pod Yewande Komolafe’s a...

    28 min
  2. A slow cooker stew inspired by a classic dip, and a savory cornbread passed down for generations! Our best home cooking bites of the week

    6 DAYS AGO

    A slow cooker stew inspired by a classic dip, and a savory cornbread passed down for generations! Our best home cooking bites of the week

    Have you ever struggled to get dinner on the table after a busy day? What if you could easily whip together a one-pot meal that’s dinner-party-worthy in your slow cooker?  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 want to make a weeknight chicken stew that effortlessly braises in your slow cooker (or stove top!) and gets a fresh boost from pantry staples right before serving. You’ll also discover a classic cornbread recipe with irresistibly crispy edges (that’s naturally gluten-free) and comes together in minutes.  Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!  *** Links Slow cooker spinach-artichoke chicken stew by Sarah DiGregorio from NYT Cooking (unlocked) Stormie Monday’s Soul Food Grill in Fort Worth, Texas Southern cornbread recipe similar to Kari’s great-grandmother’s – just makes a larger batch, and be sure to use yellow cornmeal, a preheated cast iron skillet, and generous pats of butter for serving.  Adrian Hale’s recipe for: “Communal Table Bread - My easiest first bread recipe” *** Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084 For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here. Order Sonya's 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. Hot potato! Our top 8 recipes for cooking up spuds at home

    FEB 18

    Hot potato! Our top 8 recipes for cooking up spuds at home

    Have you ever found yourself with an undercooked, sad, flimsy potato? What if a few simple techniques could ensure golden, crisp potatoes that melt in your mouth -- every time? From the zesty, bright flavors of Greek potatoes to the gooey, cheesy goodness of tater tot casserole, this episode will teach you simple, foolproof methods to turn your potatoes into show-stopping dishes. By the end of this episode, you’ll: Learn the key to baking potatoes that are crispy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside—say goodbye to undercooked spuds!Get the inside scoop on making twice-baked potatoes, a classic Midwestern make-ahead comfort dish Discover the crispy-edged, creamy-centered potato kugel of your dreams with one game-changing step Hit play now to cook spuds like a pro and heat up your potato game! *** Links:  For the best baked potato, make it the British (jacket potato) way by Coco Morante  (i.e. don’t wrap it in foil!) Greek lemon potatoes from Recipe Tin Eats Classic tried and true tater tot casserole from Mom on Time Out , and Molly Yeh’s tater tot hot dish (casserole) with homemade gravy Adeena Sussman’s extra crispy potato kugel, and a great cast iron potato kugel from Smitten Kitchen Twice-baked potatoes with lots of butter from The Pioneer Woman, and one that’s a little less rich from All Recipes Sonya’s Soviet-style fried potatoes (and hot dogs) Our mushroom soup recipe from Substack Thin and crispy oven-baked potato chips from Feel Good Foodie, or a slightly thicker and more tender version from Elephantastic Vegan Alison Roman’s brown butter potato salad *** Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084 For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack...

    29 min
  4. A satisfying meatless meal starring cabbage, and how do you get dinner on the table when you need it most? Our best home cooking bites of the week!

    FEB 13

    A satisfying meatless meal starring cabbage, and how do you get dinner on the table when you need it most? Our best home cooking bites of the week!

    Whether you’re having a busy week, or fully moving house, how do you get dinner on the table when you need it the most?  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 the tips to make a hard week easier, whether that’s with help from the pantry, or help from a friend. You’ll also learn about a craveable vegetarian pasta dish made with heaps of meltingly tender cabbage.  Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!  *** Links Lombardi’s Pizza on Goldbelly Browned butter bucatini with charred cabbage by Ham El-Waylly via NYT Cooking (unlocked)  Another favorite from Ham El-Waylly: Cauliflower Salad Sandwiches from NYT Cooking (unlocked) *** Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084 For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here. Order Sonya's 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
  5. Fruit desserts that shine year round – Our top 6 sweet treats!

    FEB 11

    Fruit desserts that shine year round – Our top 6 sweet treats!

    Think fruit desserts are just for summer? Think again! From bright citrus cakes to no-bake berry cheesecakes, there are so many ways to enjoy fruity treats all year long.  Imagine serving up a creamy lime curd parfait layered with buttery, shortbread crumbles or a warm clafoutis bursting with tangy cherries and scented with almonds... this episode is packed with ideas to keep your dessert game strong, no matter the season.  By the end of this episode, you’ll discover: A stunning blood orange cake that happens to be gluten-free, and is vibrant and creamyAn easy peach jam made with frozen fruit that can be transformed into a simple cookie that you’ll want to gift to someone you loveAn 8-minute caramelized pear that is surprisingly decadent, especially when topped on a scoop of ice cream Tune in now and bring bright, flavorful treats to your table any time of year! *** Links:  Blood orange almond ricotta cake by Liz Pruitt Easy Lime Curd from Tastes of Homemade  Inspired by Ellenos' key lime yogurt parfait, Kari's parfaits can be made with: 2 Tablespoons of lime curd stirred into 6 Tablespoons whole milk Greek Yogurt and topped with a crumbled shortbread cookie Or stir whipped cream into your lime curd and serve it like this British easy raspberry fool  Clafoutis with any kind of fruit, from Epicurious Alice Water’s sour cherry clafoutis recipe (which recommends keeping the pits in the cherry for an almond flavor)  5-ingredient peach jam by Jamie Sanders. This will keep for at least a month in your fridge and can be made with frozen peaches Use peach jam (or other preserves) to make this heart-shaped thumbprint jam cookies from Dessert for Two, plus here are more ways to use leftover jam from BBC Good Food 8-minute caramelized cinnamon spiced pears from Minimalist Baker Freeze-dried berry no-bake cheesecake from Serious Eats Famous mango pie from Home...

    28 min
  6. Pillowy potato dumplings and a 30-minute coconut miso curry! Our best home cooking bites of the week

    FEB 6

    Pillowy potato dumplings and a 30-minute coconut miso curry! Our best home cooking bites of the week

    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 want to make pillowy potato vareniki – because nothing beats a homemade dumpling on a cold day! You’ll also want to swap out your roast salmon for a cozy miso coconut salmon curry that’s light but still hearty and comes together in less than 30 minutes. Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!  *** Links: Sonya’s pelmeni (Siberian dumplings), her potato vareniki video/recipe, and her cherry vareniki (dumplings) recipe – the dough can be used with any filling! Potato vareniki (dumplings) from The New Baguette Coconut Miso Salmon Curry by Kay Chun, from NYT Cooking (unlocked)  *** Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084 For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here. Order Sonya's 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
  7. Cooking 30-minute indulgent meals at home with effortless, decadent recipes!

    FEB 4

    Cooking 30-minute indulgent meals at home with effortless, decadent recipes!

    What if you could create indulgent meals at home—without spending hours in the kitchen? We all crave meals that feel luxurious and special, whether it's for a date night, a dinner party, or simply treating yourself. But too often, indulgent cooking feels intimidating or overly complicated. This episode explores effortless ways to bring decadence to your table using simple techniques and a few game-changing ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. By the end of this episode, you’ll: Learn the secret to making the creamiest, dreamiest risotto - without all the stirring! Turn a humble ingredient into a rich, nutty dressing that makes a salad feel indulgentDiscover both savory and sweet dishes that have a big wow factor with 5-ingredients or less Treat yourself to the kind of rich dishes that fill your kitchen with delicious aromas and big flavors—press play now! *** Links: Brown butter vinaigrette by Tami Weiser for The Kitchn. Make sure your lettuce comes up to room temp, as advised by Jennifer McLagan in the “Double Butter Salad” recipe from her cookbook, Fat . Parmesan oven risotto from Smitten Kitchen, and an Instant Pot version of risotto from Our Salty Kitchen Sheet pan roasted sausage and grapes by Sheela Prakash for The Kitchn And Smitten Kitchen’s harvest roast chicken, olives, and grapes  Justine Doiron’s spicy tomato beans with hot honey  Garlic and lemon buttery beans from The Mediterranean Dish Carbonara in a jar from Grubstreet Cheese fondue night from The Kitchn  5-ingredient chocolate mousse from Nagi Maehashi (with video too!) Silken tofu chocolate mousse from As Easy As Apple Pie Skillet chocolate chip cookie by David Turner from King Arthur Baking  *** Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084 For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here. Order Sonya's cookbook...

    31 min
  8. A savory shallot pasta dish and an unexpected way to make sweet potatoes! Our best home cooking bites of the week

    JAN 30

    A savory shallot pasta dish and an unexpected way to make sweet potatoes! Our best home cooking bites of the week

    Are you stuck in a dinner rut, relying on that familiar jar of pasta sauce for a quick weeknight meal?  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 an easy caramelized shallot pasta to your weekly dinner rotation (and it makes enough sauce for 2 meals!). You’ll also learn one of our favorite techniques for cooking sweet potatoes so they’re fluffy and tender — and topped with a flavorful sauce that takes just minutes to make! Tune in now for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration! *** Links: Alison Roman’s carmelized shallot pasta recipe and video Carla Lalli Music’s steamed sweet potatoes with tahini butter *** Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084 For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here. Order Sonya's 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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4.7
out of 5
144 Ratings

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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