Food Friends: Home Cooking Made Easy

Food Friends
  • 4.7 (324)
  • Food
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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. 1d ago

    Puerto Rican Home Cooking, with Omi Hopper

    What if you could easily fill your kitchen with the comforting aromas of sizzling sofrito, fluffy rice, and tender stews? This week, we’re talking to Omi Hopper, TikTok creator and runner-up on Next Level Chef, and author of Cooking Con Omi: A Love Letter to Puerto Rican Home Cooking. She’s sharing her favorite weeknight dinners, meal-prep strategies, and the techniques she uses to build big Puerto Rican flavor at home. By the end of this episode, you’ll discover: How fresh sofrito and homemade sazón can transform even simple weeknight mealsHow to meal prep for flexibility, instead of a fridge full of repetitive leftoversFlavor-packed shortcuts to get dinner to taste special without starting from scratch Press play to hear Omi’s approach to making flavorful, satisfying food that works for real home cooks! *** 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: Omi Hopper’s new book – Cooking Con Omi: A Love Letter to Puerto Rican Home Cooking You can find more inspiration from Omi on her TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and her site: Cooking Con Omi Omi’s Recipes: Sofrito Alcapurrias Roast pork shoulder Homemade Sazon spice blend Potato salad with apples One pot macarone con carne (macaroni with beef) Other dishes mentioned: Bacalao (Puerta Rican Salt Cod Stew) from Simply Recipes Her winning pineapple jalapeno salmon dish Some of Omi’s favorite recipe developers; King Rey Cooks Tini Michelle Disla Cassie Yeung **** 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. Are you a local to Portland or planning a visit? You can now book a private farmers’ market tour with Sonya through Airbnb Experiences! Or order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!

    Puerto Rican Home Cooking, with Omi Hopper

  2. Aug 4

    Too Hot to Cook? Easy Summer Dinner Ideas to Beat the Heat

    What do you cook when it's too hot to turn on the oven (or even the stovetop)… but everyone still needs dinner? When summer temperatures climb, even the simplest meal can feel like too much effort. If you've been relying on takeout, eating cereal for dinner, or are staring into the fridge hoping for inspiration, this episode is full of practical ideas for keeping your kitchen cool. We're sharing our favorite no-cook and low-cook meals, make-ahead recipes, refreshing drinks, and easy summer desserts that make the most of the season without heating up the house. By the end of this episode, you'll discover: A 5-minute meal built around a single package of tofuHow a rotisserie chicken can become a picnic-friendly Vietnamese-inspired dinnerTwo noodle dishes that rely on quick, flavorful, no-cook sauces Press play now and build a rotation of easy summer recipes you'll rely on that will keep you well-fed and out of a hot kitchen! *** 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: Spicy cold silken tofu with soy and scallions from The Woks of Life Salsa cruda di Pomodoro — pasta with raw summer tomato sauce — from Lidia Bastianich Zucchini quesadillas by Smitten Kitchen, and a wonderful squash blossom quesadilla recipe can be found in the Frida’s Fiestsa’s (a Friday Khalo cookbook) Rainbow veggie pinwheels by Dinner at the Zoo BiBim Guksu (spicy mixed noodles) by Maangchi Italian grinder bean salad by Alexis de Boschnek for The Kitchn, and Edi’s favorite sun-dried tomato dense bean salad Summer tartines four ways from Serious Eats Chicken banh mi by Recipe Tin Eats Lemon possets by Toni Chapman for NYT Cooking Homemade Gatorade by Lexi at Crowded Kitchen Frozen coconut limeade by Smitten 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. Are you a local to Portland or planning a visit? You can now book a private farmers’ market tour with Sonya through Airbnb Experiences! Or order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!

    Too Hot to Cook? Easy Summer Dinner Ideas to Beat the Heat

  3. Jul 28

    Summer Corn! 10 Recipes for Cooking Easy Seasonal Meals at Home (Re-Release)

    Are you up to your ears in corn and scrambling for new ways to use up one of the best summer ingredients? If you’re looking for easy and inspired recipes to enjoy this seasonal darling, then you’ll want to tune in to this fan-favorite episode. By the end of this episode, you'll: Uncover the secrets to cooking perfectly grilled corn on the cobGet inspired by a 30-minute corn-filled ramen with miso butterLearn how to make “corn ribs,” a popular restaurant dish that’s easy and delicious to recreate at home Press play now to satisfy all of your corn cravings! *** 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: Compound chili lime butter How to make corn ribs from Food Wishes Sonya' s corn soup recipe from our Substack, and a similar corn soup with basil by David Tanis for the NY Times, as well as a chilled corn soup with basil oil from Food52 Soy butter corn ramen by Hetty Lui McKinnon for the NY Times Sarah Jampel’s spicy corn coconut soup for the NY Times Ham El-Waylly’s corn and miso pasta salad for the NY Times Sue Li’s grilled corn and avocado salad with feta dressing for the NY Times “Ears and Ears” Orecchiette and corn pasta similar to what Kari makes Colu Henry’s orecchiette with corn, jalapeno, and feta for the NY Times Sonya’s corn, romano bean, tomato pasta dish Korean corn cheese by Darun Kwak for the NY Times Other mentions: Our episode with Javier Lara: The three sisters: Indigenous wisdom for growing, sharing, and home cooking squash, beans, and corn All Time restaurant in Los Angeles **** 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. Are you a local to Portland or planning a visit? You can now book a private farmers’ market tour with Sonya through Airbnb Experiences! Or order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!

    Summer Corn! 10 Recipes for Cooking Easy Seasonal Meals at Home (Re-Release)

  4. Jul 23

    Two Salads You Can Make Once, And Eat Twice (or Three Times)! | Our Best Home Cooking Bites

    What salads can really hold up for days and transform into multiple meals? 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 5-star broccoli salad that's meal-prep-friendly and full of Italian flavors. You’ll also want to try a summery cucumber-avocado salad that's perfect for piling onto toast or for serving at your next gathering. 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: Italian broccoli salad by Ali Slagle for NYT Cooking And Quinoa and broccoli spoon salad by Sohla El-Waylly for the NYT Cooking Also, we love this Cauliflower Salad Sandwiches recipe from Ham El-Waylly Obsessively good cucumber avocado salad from Smitten 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. Are you a local to Portland or planning a visit? You can now book a private farmers’ market tour with Sonya through Airbnb Experiences! Or order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!

    Two Salads You Can Make Once, And Eat Twice (or Three Times)! | Our Best Home Cooking Bites

  5. Jul 21

    Our Top 10 Best Bites of All Time! Celebrating 300 Episodes of Food Friends

    What recipes truly stand the test of time — the ones you make again and again because of their ease, deliciousness, and nostalgia? This week, we're celebrating our 300th episode by looking back at our top 10 “Best Bites” of all time. These are the dishes we still cook, recommend, and think about years later. They’re also the recipes that always make us think of each other. By the end of this episode, you'll discover: The beginner-friendly lentil dish we’ve been making for over a decade for friends, clients, family, and meal prepAn effortless no-measure cake that's earned a permanent spot in our baking rotationSmart ways to use your slow cooker and Instant Pot to get flavorful dinners on the table faster Whether you're new to Food Friends or have been cooking along with us since the beginning, this episode is packed with recipes worth revisiting—and adding to your own regular rotation. Tune in as we celebrate 300 episodes with the recipes that have shaped our home cooking the most. *** 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: SONYA’S TOP FIVEOur coconut red lentil recipe“No Measure” French Yogurt CakeIna Garten’s stuffed shells recipe – Sonya adds fresh thyme instead of Italian seasoning + grated parm or pecorino on topInstant Pot Polenta Cacio e Pepe by Carla Lalli Music for Bon AppetitOur two takes on egg salad from our Substack! KARI’S TOP FIVESonya’s simple tomato confit with thymeMidwestern Monster cookies French onion crostini by Lemon Tree DwellingCrispy taco salad shells for homemade taco bowls Viral “Glow Soup” by Maddie Harrington of Nutriously Easy **** 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. Are you a local to Portland or planning a visit? You can now book a private farmers’ market tour with Sonya through Airbnb Experiences! Or order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!

    Our Top 10 Best Bites of All Time! Celebrating 300 Episodes of Food Friends

  6. Jul 16

    A One-Bowl Berry Almond Cake + Homemade Chopped Cheese Sandwiches | Our Best Home Cooking Bites

    Can a humble pound of ground beef from your freezer turn into the best dinner of your 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 discover an irresistible snacking cake recipe by Alison Roman that uses up any seasonal berry you have on hand and is easy enough for a beginner baker! You’ll also want to try a homemade take on a Bodega-style chopped cheese sandwich. It’s the perfect way to use up kitchen staples for a quick, unexpected weeknight dinner. 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: Blueberry cake with almond and cinnamon by Alison Roman from her cookbook, Dining In Alison Roman’s blueberry muffin recipe Chopped cheese by Melissa Knific for NYT Cooking **** 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. Are you a local to Portland or planning a visit? You can now book a private farmers’ market tour with Sonya through Airbnb Experiences! Or order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!

    A One-Bowl Berry Almond Cake + Homemade Chopped Cheese Sandwiches | Our Best Home Cooking Bites

  7. Jul 14

    Our Top 8 No-Bake Desserts for Summer Hosting! (Re-Release)

    What sweet treats do you make when you feel like hosting, but temperatures are climbing, and you can't imagine turning on an oven? This week we're re-releasing a fan-favorite episode. We’re sharing our tried-and-true easy summer dessert recipes to make at home, all with zero cooking required! By the end of this episode, you’ll discover: How to stay cool with a refreshing icebox cake and an over-the-top frozen pieA classic Midwestern cookie loaded with chocolate and peanut butterA make-ahead dessert that maximizes seasonal fruit and is perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream Tune in now to add sweetness to your summer gatherings with these exciting and easy no-bake desserts! *** 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: Sonya’s raspberry mocha icebox cake, strawberry tiramisu, and fruit compote recipes Ina Garten’s mocha icebox cake Chocolate wafers for icebox cake 18 ice cream pie ideas from Taste of Home Not-so-classic peach melba from David Tanis for the NY Times Classic Scotcheroos recipes from Tastes Better From Scratch Buckeyes recipe by Tammy Winters for All Recipes Tricia Yearwood’s no-bake rocky road bars All the rocky road bar combos on TikTok Ina Garten’s limoncello fruit salad 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. Are you a local to Portland or planning a visit? You can now book a private farmers’ market tour with Sonya through Airbnb Experiences! Or order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!

    Our Top 8 No-Bake Desserts for Summer Hosting! (Re-Release)

  8. Jul 9

    A 10-Minute Dessert from Cookbook Club + A Lemony Pasta with Greens | Our Best Home Cooking Bites

    Are you looking to beat the heat with an easy, refreshing, and QUICK dessert? By the end of this episode, you'll want to try a tapioca pudding topped with fresh summer berries that's vegan, gluten-free, and ready in just 10 minutes on the stove. You’ll also discover a lemony pasta dinner that comes together fast, with the help of a can of chickpeas, a bundle of greens, and crumbled feta. 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: How to Start A Cookbook Club from our Substack Dac Biet: An Extra-Special Vietnamese Cookbook by Chef Nini Nguyen and Sarah Zorn – in the book you’ll find the recipes for: Green Jackfruit and Cabbage SaladLemongrass Ground MeatPickled eggplant (here’s a similar version to try)And Coconut Tapioca banana pudding (here are two similar recipes: one from Serious Eats with crushed peanuts, and another with caramelized banana on top from Food 52) You can find more of Chef Nini Nguyen’s recipes here Lemony Chard with chickpeas and feta by Hetty Lui McKinnon, tossed with pasta **** 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. Are you a local to Portland or planning a visit? You can now book a private farmers’ market tour with Sonya through Airbnb Experiences! Or order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!

    A 10-Minute Dessert from Cookbook Club + A Lemony Pasta with Greens | Our Best Home Cooking Bites
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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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