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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, 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?

Copyright: © Food Friends Podcast 2022

Latest Episodes:

Two hot-takes on dinner: a spicy glazed salmon and a meal starring twice-baked potatoes! Our best home cooking bites of the week Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

Craving easy meals that feel a little special?

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 a quick salmon dinner that’s with a surprising veggie side, and you’ll be inspired by a secret-ingredient kale salad that accompanies a classic make-ahead Midwestern dish!

Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!

***

Links:

Simple high-heat baked salmon recipe by Kathleen Daelemans from Food Network (Sonya's sauce recipe is below)

Braised leek recipe by Hank Shaw from Simply Recipes

Massaged kale salad from Minimalist Baker, and how to make homemade lime curd from Tastes of Homemade

Twice baked potatoes with lots of butter from The Pioneer Woman, and one that’s a little less rich from All Recipes

***

Sonya’s recipe for creamy spicy salmon sauce (for 3-4 6 oz pieces of salmon):

Ingredients:

½ cup mayo
2 Tbsps Tamari or soy sauce
1-2 tsps gochugaru ( or red pepper flake, or Sriracha)
1½ tsps maple syrup (or to taste)
1-2 tsps toasted sesame oil
1 inch grated ginger.

Whisk everything together, taste and adjust for more spice or saltiness. Use ¾ of the sauce on the salmon before you put it in the oven, and then finish off with the remaining sauce once it’s out of the oven.

***

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!

Get your greens! Cooking vibrant recipes for spinach, kale, collards, and more Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

Are you craving more ways to incorporate greens into your meals but are feeling stuck and uninspired?

If you’re bored with the same old way of cooking greens, or are simply not sure where to start, this episode is here to help! We’re breaking down simple techniques and recipes to bring out the best in dark, leafy greens of all kinds–– from earthy kale to tender Swiss chard!

By the end of this episode, you’ll:

Master basic techniques for stir-frying and sautéing your favorite greens like kale, bok choy, and spinach
Discover easy one-pot recipes you can make with any green you can find
Learn two creamy, decadent ways to make collard greens–– including one that’s completely vegan and gluten-free!

Tune in now and learn how to transform your greens into dishes that will leave everyone asking for more!

***

LINKS:

Ali Slagle’s one-pot beans, greens, and grains from NYT Cooking (unlocked)

Collard green gratin by Joseph Lenn from Bon Appetit

Coconut creamed collard greens by Gregory Gourdet, Chef and owner of kann restaurant

You can find the recipe for coconut collards and coconut grits in the cookbook Coconuts and Collards by Von Diaz

Potato kale and scallion cakes from Smitten Kitchen

Ayse’s recipe for Turkish pojaca from Sonya

Collard greens stuffed with pine nuts, currants & rice from Martha Rose Shulman via NYT Cooking (unlocked)

Dad’s stir-fried bok choy from Made with Lau

Swamp soup (also known as green garlic and ginger and rice soup) from Wishbone 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 foodfriendspod@gmail.com!

Bonding over great soup with 2 easy recipes! Our best home cooking bites of the week Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

Do you wish you could get dinner on the table quickly... without an extra trip to the grocery store?

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 to whip up a clean-out-your-fridge veggie soup that effortlessly comes together with what you already have on hand. You'll also want to try out a 30-minute chicken soup that’s nourishing, colorful, and made with just a handful of ingredients.

Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!

***

Links:

Clean-out-your-fridge veggie soup from our Substack

Kari’s confetti chicken soup recipe

Homemade bone broth you can make in your oven from our Substack

Olia Hercules’ Tarragon Soup from her cookbook Kaukasis: The culinary journey through Georgia, Azerbaijan & Beyond

***

Got a cooking question? Leave us a message 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!

What’s for lunch? Make-ahead lunches for on-the-go or at home (Re-release) Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

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 breakfast burritos for NYT Cooking

Potato cheese bourekas from Tori Avey

***

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!

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 Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

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!

Hot potato! Our top 8 recipes for cooking up spuds at home Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

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 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!

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, 2025

Show notes

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!

Fruit desserts that shine year round – Our top 6 sweet treats! Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

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 creamy
An easy peach jam made with frozen fruit that can be transformed into a simple cookie that you’ll want to gift to someone you love
An 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 Cooking with Samin Nostrat and Hrishi Hirway

***

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!

Pillowy potato dumplings and a 30-minute coconut miso curry! Our best home cooking bites of the week Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

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!

Cooking 30-minute indulgent meals at home with effortless, decadent recipes! Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

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 indulgent
Discover 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 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!

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