Food Friends: Home Cooking Made Easy

Food Friends
  • 4.8 (110)
  • FOOD
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
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. What appetizers do you serve at a party? Cooking our favorite holiday hors d'oeuvres at home

    1 DAY AGO

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

    6 DAYS AGO

    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
  3. 5 Essential Thanksgiving Dishes! Our top foolproof recipes for every home cook

    NOV 12

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

    NOV 7

    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
  5. Plant forward home cooking, with Justine Doiron of Justine Snacks

    NOV 5

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

    OCT 31

    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
  7. Can you find comfort in one pot? Cooking easy, cozy recipes at home

    OCT 29

    Can you find comfort in one pot? Cooking easy, cozy recipes at home

    Want more support in the kitchen? We’re expanding our offerings and would love your input. Fill out our survey to be entered in our giveaway, and for more home cooking inspiration, sign up for our free Substack! *** What’s your ultimate comfort food on those chilly, bone-tired days? Sometimes you need soul-soothing meals that offer comfort but don’t require hours in the kitchen or a pile of dishes; and other times, comfort can mean spending a day in a warm, cozy kitchen.  This week, we explore our top one-pot wonder dinners, warming you from the inside out while keeping the mess to a minimum.  By the end of the episode, you’ll: Discover the easiest one-pot creamy broccoli mac & cheese Learn about a versatile vegan curry that uses pantry staples Find out about an unexpected sheet pan dinner that’s kid-tested and mother-approved! Tune in now to master the art of one-pot meals that will fill your home with mouthwatering aromas and will simplify your busy weeknight cooking! *** LINKS: Ali Salgle’s one-pot broccoli mac and cheese for NYT Cooking One-pot bucatini with cauliflower and capers from Martha Stewart Ina Garten’s easy turkey lasagna One-pot chicken meatballs with greens by Yasmin Farh for NYT Cooking Braised coconut chickpeas with greens by Faith Durand for The Kitchn i Sheet-pan bibimbap by Eric Kim for NYT Cooking Slow cooker/Crock Pot tortilla soup from Spend With Pennies Sarah DiGregorio’s slow cooker pasta e fagioli for NYT Cooking 20-minute rotisserie chicken tortilla soup (without a slow cooker) by Olivia Adriance *** Sign up for our free substack ! We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com! Or give us a CALL on our kitchen phone!...

    31 min
  8. More weeknight meatless meals – A pantry pasta and a vegetable main! Our best bites of the week

    OCT 24

    More weeknight meatless meals – A pantry pasta and a vegetable main! Our best bites of the week

    After a long commute home, are you craving a dinner you can whip up straight from your pantry?  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 cook up this easy vegetarian pasta with lentils that comes together in 25 minutes or less, and you’ll learn the secret to making the crispiest vegetarian schnitzel for a comfort dinner that will delight any diner at your table!  Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration! *** Links: Zucchini schnitzel aka fried zucchini from Spend with Pennies Lentils with pasta and caramelized onions by Mark Bittman for NYT Cooking Episode 23 – All about our failures and firings as personal chefs *** 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
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4.8
out of 5
110 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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