Food Friends: Home Cooking Made Easy

Food Friends
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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, recipe developer Justine Doiron, #1 Food & Beverage Substacker Caroline Chambers, and more. 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. What We Eat In A Day! What Chefs Really Cook At Home, Winter Edition

    1D AGO

    What We Eat In A Day! What Chefs Really Cook At Home, Winter Edition

    Ever wonder what two former personal chefs actually eat in a day? If you’re constantly asking, “What’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner?” This episode is packed with easy meal ideas and real-life recipes to reduce that feeling of overwhelm, and deliver practical inspiration you can use all week. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Upgrade your breakfast with a simple Turkish-inspired egg dish or a skillet pancake that brings joy to any morningMake lunchtime easier with smart leftover transformations and a few make-ahead, deli-style salads Discover two flavorful sheetpan dinners, and a one-pot meatless main we're making on repeat Tune in now, peek inside our kitchens, and leave with fresh ideas for the week ahead! *** For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our free Substack here. And join us on our live monthly calls by upgrading your subscription to paid! *** Links:  Day 1 Sonya: Breakfast – Yogurt bowl with homemade granola, flax, kiwi, blueberries, goji berries and homemade granola. Kari’s granola recipe is from Sony’as cookbook, Braids, and David Leibovitz has a a really good loaded tahini granola recipe Lunch – Golden egg salad, black sesame rice crackers, tangerine, carrots, sauerkraut, radishes, grapes, pickled kohlrabi Dinner – Tomato lentil stew with crispy potatoes, by Hetty Lui McKinnon for NYT Cooking (unlocked) Kari: Breakfast – Dutch Baby recipe by Florence Fabricant from NYT Cooking (unlocked), made with Einkorn flour and inspired by the recipe in Einkorn Made Easy by Adrian J.S. Hale Lunch – Huevos Rancheros by Kay Chun for NYT Cooking (unlocked), made with leftover refried beans and salsa from takeout  Dinner – Roasted Cauliflower with Feta & Dates Sheet Pan Salad by Kendra Vaculin for Bon Appetit (radicchio and shredded cabbage was subbed for the arugula, and hazelnuts were swapped for pistachios ) Day 2 Sonya: Breakfast – Turkish-inspired eggs, but instead of poached eggs, they were fried in butter spiced with smoked paprika and aleppo pepper, once...

    36 min
  2. A Weeknight Meatless Bean Recipe + A Braised Meat Sauce That Might Surprise You! — Our Best Bites of the Week

    6D AGO

    A Weeknight Meatless Bean Recipe + A Braised Meat Sauce That Might Surprise You! — Our Best Bites of the Week

    What if your best bite of the week came from beans… or a conversation at the butcher counter? 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 our favorite crispy-topped “pizza beans” that are hearty, cheesy, and ideal for a meatless dinner. You’ll also discover how a local butcher inspired our new favorite collagen-rich braised meat sauce. Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration! *** For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our free Substack here. And join us on our live monthly calls by upgrading your subscription to paid! *** Links: Smitten Kitchen’s pizza beans Sausage Ragu by Sara Jenkins and Nancy Harmon Jenkins, adapted by Julia Moskin for NYT Cooking (unlocked) Pennsylvania-Dutch scrapple from Food Network *** Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084 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!

    15 min
  3. Pasta! Cooking up Baked Classics, Pantry Sauces, and Weeknight Wins at Home

    FEB 17

    Pasta! Cooking up Baked Classics, Pantry Sauces, and Weeknight Wins at Home

    Are your weeknight pasta nights starting to feel predictable…even though you know pasta has so much more potential? When you’re tired and hungry, it’s easy to reach for the same jar of sauce and the same box of noodles. In this episode, we’re showing you how to turn pantry staples and simple techniques into pasta dinners that feel comforting, craveable, and completely new. By the end of this episode, you’ll: Learn the secrets to a crispy-topped, gooey baked pasta that’s worth turning on the ovenExpand your rotation with dishes built around seasonal greens, wild mushrooms, and bright citrusDiscover how to harness your pantry to build bold, flavor-packed sauces—including a Samin Nosrat recipe we can’t stop making Press play and make pasta night the best night of the week. *** Links Six Seasons of Pasta by Joshua McFadden and Martha Holmber, for all the best ways to make a baked pasta dish Baked Ziti from All Recipes – Sonya made a version with Cavatapi pasta and swapped sausage for blanched broccoli rabe Cheesy baked pasta with Sausage and Ricotta by Melissa Clark for NYT Cooking  Baked gnocchi alla Sorrentina from Wishbone Kitchen  River Cafe Walnut Tagliatelle from The Guardian (we skip adding oil to our pasta water) Sausage ragu by Sara Jenkins and Nancy Harmon Jenkins, adapted by Julia Moskin for NYT Cooking (unlocked) Bucatini with Swiss Chard, Raisins and Parm by Joshua McFadden by way of Nigella Lawson by way of Amateur Gourmet Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Garlic Miso Butter by Chandra Ram for Food & Wine Nigella Lawson’s famous lemon linguine Chicken Piccata pasta by Anna Theoktisto for Food & Wine Samin Nosrat’s spicy tuna pantry pasta from Food and Wine

    31 min
  4. The Crispiest Roast Potatoes and Easy Chicken Enchiladas — Our Best Home Cooking Bites of the Week!

    FEB 12

    The Crispiest Roast Potatoes and Easy Chicken Enchiladas — Our Best Home Cooking Bites of the Week!

    Do you want to know the secret to cooking the crispiest, fluffiest roast potatoes at home?  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 try British-style roastie potatoes known for their golden, crackly exterior and fluffy interior. You’ll also want to cook up our go-to chicken enchiladas; they're perfect for weeknight dinners, feed a crowd, and make smart use of leftovers so you can get dinner on the table with ease.  Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration! *** Links: British roast potatoes from The Jam Jar For a deep dive on roasties, check out  The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes by Kenji Lopez-Alt for Serious Eats Sam Sifton's Chicken Enchiladas with Salsa Verde for NYT Cooking (unlocked) But this week, Kari used leftover roasted chicken and green enchilada sauce by Siete Foods (not sponsored!), and topped them with Monterey Jack and Queso Fresco *** 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 free Substack here. And join us on our live monthly calls by upgrading your subscription to paid! 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!

    15 min
  5. Winter Salads! 10 Recipes to Make the Most of Seasonal Produce

    FEB 10

    Winter Salads! 10 Recipes to Make the Most of Seasonal Produce

    Think salads are a summer thing? Great salads don’t have to disappear in the colder months. If you’re craving something crisp, bright, and alive during the winter, this week we're making the most of peak cold-weather produce. We’re sharing 10 salad recipes built around seasonal ingredients like juicy citrus, crunchy celery, hearty winter greens, and smart pantry staples. By the end of this episode, you’ll: Discover make-ahead–friendly salads that work just as well for meal prep as they do for entertainingFind stunning, flavor-packed salads that might completely change how you cook with celery, citrus, and even Brussels sproutsLearn which two salads are hearty enough to stand alone as a full meal Press play now and let this episode change the way you enjoy salads all winter long. *** Sign up for our Substack here for original recipes and a roundup from each episode. Upgrade to paid, and join our monthly live Q&A! *** Links:  Sonya’s citrus, pomegranate, mint and feta salad with pomegranate molasses dressing Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate & Pistachio by Sheela Prakash for NYT Cooking (unlocked) Celery root remoulade by Alice Waters, shared by Full Belly Farm  Celery dates almonds parmesan inspired by Six Seasons by Joshua McFadden, recipe by Cookie & Kate Sonya’s celery and kohlrabi salad with date and almond Ultimate Winter Salad by Natalie Perry for The Pioneer Woman Thai Pomelo Salad from Healthyish and Happy Thai Peanut and Cabbage Salad from Cookie & Kate  Anna’s California salad from A Modern Way to Eat by Anna Jones, shared by 101 Cookbooks Winter Panzanella from Floating Kitchen *** 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 a...

    28 min
  6. Viral Japanese Yogurt Cheesecake, A No-Bake Treat, and Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos! Our Best Bites of the Week

    FEB 5

    Viral Japanese Yogurt Cheesecake, A No-Bake Treat, and Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos! Our Best Bites of the Week

    Is the viral Japanese yogurt cheesecake worth making? 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 find out for yourself if you should jump on the Japanese yogurt cheesecake trend, and you'll also discover a next-level take on no-bake rice crispies treats! You'll also want to try our favorite slow-cooker braised chicken dish, which relies exclusively on pantry staples and can be the foundation for countless dishes -- like a delicious weekday taco. Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration! *** To join our monthly live hang, or for more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here. *** Links: Two-ingredient viral Japanese yogurt cheesecake recipe from Food & Wine Pistachio Halvah Rice Krispie Treats by Miro Uskokovic from NYT Cooking (unlocked) Kari’s slow cooker braised chicken for an easy taco lunch Tortilla Land ready-to-cook flour tortillas that Kari uses (not sponsored!) *** To join our monthly live hang, or for more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here. Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084 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!

    17 min
  7. Date Night Dinners – Our Top 10 Recipes for Cooking for Someone You Love

    FEB 3

    Date Night Dinners – Our Top 10 Recipes for Cooking for Someone You Love

    What if you could easily cook up an incredible meal at home for someone you love? Date night doesn’t have to be fussy or complicated to be special, and we firmly believe it can be about cooking incredible food for anyone you're close to: a partner, family, roommates, or friends. This week, we’re sharing our top 10 date night recipes, and by the end of this episode, you’ll: Learn simple fuss-free dishes, like a 30-minute crispy artichoke pasta, and a no-churn ice creamDiscover interactive meals, like a home-cook-friendly Japanese hot potFind out about our favorite 15-minute, elegant classic French main course Listen now to get inspired to make a memorable date night dinner at home... no hard-to-get reservations, waiting in line, or complicated cooking required! *** Links: Japanese shabu shabu (hot pot) at home from Just One Cook, or sukiyaki from White On Rice Couple Classic sole meuniere by Molly Wizenberg, serve with steamed asparagus Ricotta gnocchi by Mark Bittman for NYT Cooking (unlocked) Crispy artichoke pasta by Andy Baraghani for NYT Cooking (unlocked) Crepe night with savory buckwheat crepes by Martha Rose Shulman, and chocolate crepes by Zeynab Issa, both for NYT Cooking (unlocked) Heart-shaped french toast by Sew White, and use the outside of the heart for “Egg-in-a-heart” (aka toad-in-a-hole) Nigella Lawson’s one-step no-churn coffee ice cream Heart-shaped pastry with strawberries and whipped cream from Bos Kitchen Kiwi fool by Eric Triesit Tiramisu dippers by Anna Painter for...

    35 min
  8. Pizza Night at Home, a Great Veggie Sandwich, and Sauerkraut Made Easy! Our Best Home Cooking Bites of the Week

    JAN 29

    Pizza Night at Home, a Great Veggie Sandwich, and Sauerkraut Made Easy! Our Best Home Cooking Bites of the Week

    What are the building blocks of the perfect veggie sandwich? 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 crave a veggie sandwich that’s packed with easy-to-make homemade saurekraut, and you’ll get inspired to cook up restaurant-style pizza at home – loaded with crispy kale and savory crumbled sausage. Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration! *** Links: Tabor Bread is one of Sonya’s favorite spots for sourdough loaves in Portland, OR Our favorite brand of hummus is Little Sesame (not at all sponsored) An easy reliable homemade sauerkraut recipe from The Gefilteria Sweet Salt Food in Los Angeles inspired Kari’s pizza at home Sourdough pizza dough made from Adrian Hale’s “Communal Table Bread - My easiest first bread recipe” And our favorite super easy no-knead pizza dough

    17 min
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4.7
out of 5
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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, recipe developer Justine Doiron, #1 Food & Beverage Substacker Caroline Chambers, and more. 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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