Food Friends: Home Cooking Made Easy

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 TherapyDavid 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 ManalPomegranate 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! 323-452-9084Sign up for our newsletter here for special offers and opportunitiesOrder 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!

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 roasterHow to dry brine a turkey from The KitchnDigital meat thermometerSonya’s go-to roast turkey Turkey stock from roasted turkey wings from How Sweet EatsClassic last-minute gravy with turkey stock by Julia Moskin and Kim Severeson for NYT CookingUltra creamy mashed potatoes made with a ricer or food mill by Andy Baraghani for Bon AppetitAnd perfect mashed potatoes (no special gear required) by Elise Bauer for Simply RecipesHow to reheat mashed potatoes from The KitchnHetty Lui McKinnon’s sticky gochujang brussels sprouts from her cookbook Tenderhearta...

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 brushSauteed chanterelles mushrooms with butter and garlic from The PolonistMushroom and gruyere grilled cheese from Always from ScratchSlow cooker caramelized onions from Gimme Some OvenGarlic 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 KitchenSlow 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! 323-452-9084Sign up for our newsletter here for special offers and opportunitiesOrder 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!

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 dishDon’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 gnudiZhoug beans with crispy potatoes Crispy lime cabbage with turmeric white bean mashUpside-down blueberry cakeTiramisu cookieThe world-famous Butter BoardIna 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! 323-452-9084Sign up for our newsletter here for special offers and opportunitiesOrder 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!

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 mixSonya’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! 323-452-9084Sign up for our newsletter here for special offers and opportunitiesOrder 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!

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 CookingOne-pot bucatini with cauliflower and capers from Martha StewartIna Garten’s easy turkey lasagnaOne-pot chicken meatballs with greens by Yasmin Farh for NYT CookingBraised coconut chickpeas with greens by Faith Durand for The Kitchn iSheet-pan bibimbap by Eric Kim for NYT CookingSlow cooker/Crock Pot tortilla soup from Spend With PenniesSarah DiGregorio’s slow cooker pasta e fagioli for NYT Cooking20-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!...

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 PenniesLentils with pasta and caramelized onions by Mark Bittman for NYT CookingEpisode 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! 323-452-9084Sign up for our newsletter here for special offers and opportunitiesOrder 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!

Feeling a chill in the air and looking for a way to warm up after a busy fall day?As the days get shorter and cooler, we crave comfort food that are nourishing, while still simple to make at home. But with so many different recipes out there, how do you choose a soup that will truly hit the spot? Whether you want a quick weeknight option or a slow-simmered weekend treat, this episode will inspire you to make the most of soup season. By the end of this episode, you’ll…Discover the viral “Glow Soup” — creamy, nutritious, and 100% plant-basedLearn tips for creating hearty, flavorful broths in your slow cooker or Instant Pot that can be enjoyed as a healthy snack or used to elevate classics like tomato, lentil, or chicken noodleGet creative with root veggies and hearty greens, combining them with pantry staples like smoky spices and coconut milk to take your soup game to the next levelTune in now to learn how to create soul-warming soups that will carry you through autumn and into winter with ease and comfort!***Links:The viral TikTok “Glow Soup” by Maddie Harrington/NutriouslyeasySimilar to Kari’s soup: Andouille sausage + black bean soup with fire-roasted tomatoes by Sarah Carey for Martha Stewart, or this sausage, kale, and lentil soup (just swap the tomatoes for fire-roasted ones)Olia Hercules’ Tarragon Soup from her cookbook Kaukasis: The culinary journey through Georgia, Azerbaijan & beyondClassic French onion soup with beef stock and white wine, and a mushroom farro version from NYT CookingSlow cooker carmelized onions from Gimme Some OvenParsnip soup options – Easiest parsnip soup form Taming Twins , Carrot-Parsnip Soup from NYT Cooking, and Apple parsnip soup from Dana’s TableWhite chicken chili (with 3 different methods!) from Add a Pinch, and a 5-ingredient white chicken chili from Gimme Some Oven***Got a cooking question? Call in and leave us a voicemail on our kitchen phone! 323-452-9084Sign up for our newsletter here for special offers and opportunitiesOrder Sonya's debut cookbooka...

Have you ever wondered what kitchen gadgets are essential to any home? Or maybe you’re looking for some new cookbook inspiration?In this bite-sized episode, we share listener questions – and answer with expert advice – to inspire each other and you! You might be surprised to hear what pieces of inexpensive equipment two former personal chefs consider a must-have in our respective kitchens. You’ll also discover the cookbooks we keep reaching for over and over again. Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration, and call our hotline 323-452-9084 with your own culinary question!***LinksKari’s favorite books and gadget:Love Soup: 160 All-New Vegetarian Recipes from the Author of The Vegetarian Epicure by Anna ThomasSonya’s cookbook, Braids: Recipes From My Pacific Northwest Jewish KitchenWide mouth funnelSonya’s favorite books and gadget:Cooking for Artists by Mina StoneAround My French Table by Dorie GreenspanBenriner mandoline***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! 323-452-9084Sign up for Sonya’s free Substack, or order her debut cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!

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 NicCrispy chickpeas from Minimalist BakerLittle Sesame Hummus, Sonya’s favorite store-bought varietyQuinoa and broccoli spoon salad by Sohla El-Waylly for the NY TimesHerby quinoa salad with feta and pomegranate by Sarah Cook for BBC Good FoodItalian 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” hereKenji Lopez-Alt’s Kale Caesar salad for Serious EatsMassaged kale salad with tahini dressing from Big Delicious LifeFennel and lentil salad by Yasmin Fahr for NYT CookingShaved 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 PodYewande Komolafe’s

Are you searching for a quick easy one-pan meal that you can make any night 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! You’ll want to cook up a craveable gnocchi and brussels sprouts dinner that comes together in 30 minutes or less, and you’ll discover the secret to the heartiest, most flavorful, plant-based lentil soup!Don’t miss these two meatless meals that will work for any night of the week, and tune in now! ***Links to from this week’s show:Crisp gnocchi with brussels sprouts and brown butter by Ali Slagle via NYT CookingIna Garten’s lentil vegetable soupAdrian Hale’s pita recipe can be found in her book Mama Bread!***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! 323-452-9084Sign up for Sonya’s free Substack, or order her debut cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!

Are you tired of making the same bland, dry, or boring chicken dishes? Whether you're intimidated by the idea of roasting an entire bird or are looking for some chicken dinner inspiration, this episode will delight your taste buds with tried and true techniques, cozy recipes, and easy methods for flavorful and delicious meals any night of the week!By the end of this episode, you’ll:Learn how to make a foolproof whole roast chicken that’s juicy and packed with flavorDiscover a crowd-pleasing marinated drumstick recipe perfect for hosting big groups or for potlucksFind out why one-pot chicken orzo dishes are the ultimate comfort food solution—without complicated steps or fancy ingredientsTune in now to boost your chicken dinners with these simple yet incredibly delicious techniques and recipes!***Links to from this week’s show:Ina Garten’s perfect roast chicken recipe and her engagement roast chickenMary Me Chicken by Lindsay Funston for DelishSimple, classic roast chicken by Melissa Clark for NYT CookingGiada De Laurentis’ chicken cacciatore Sonya’s chicken tinga recipe and her Seattle-style chicken teriyakiLemongrass, soy, ginger drumsticks from Barossa Fine FoodsSam Sifton’s soy basted chicken thighs with spicy cashews for NYT CookingColu Henry’s skillet chicken with pearl couscous and Moroccan spices for NYT CookingWeeknight fancy chicken and rice by Asha Gomez and Martha Hall Foose for NYT Cooking***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! 323-452-9084Sign up for Sonya’s free Substack, or order her debut cookbook

Do you want to incorporate more meatless meals into your week but feel stuck on what to cook? 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 make this one-pot kale pasta recipe that follows a streamlined technique for easy cleanup, and you’ll be seduced by a crispy tofu dinner that’s served with an Instant Pot creamy polenta.Tune in now and don’t miss out on these two vegetarian dinners that will work for any night of the week!***Links to from this week’s show:Greens Pasta by Joshua McFadden via NYT Cooking Tofu katsu recipe from Food52Carla Lali Music’s instant pot polenta for Bon Appetit***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! 323-452-9084Sign up for Sonya’s free Substack, or order her debut cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!

As the weather turns cool and crisp, what do you do when you've got a counter full of ripe pears or too many apples from an orchard visit? This week, we share 8 recipes for turning crunchy apples, juicy pears, and luxurious persimmons into sweet and savory dishes, from weeknight meals to entertaining-friendly dishes.By the end of this episode, you’ll…Learn how to make slow-cooked apple butter that fills your home with warm, comforting aromasDiscover an elegant appetizer that stars fresh pears and is perfect for a stunning brunch or your next dinner partyGet inspired by savory casseroles and crunchy salads that balance fall’s sweetest and most vibrant flavors.Hit play now to uncover fresh and easy ways to use fall's most beloved fruits in your home kitchen all season long! ***Links to from this week’s show:Skin-on, no sugar, homemade apple sauce from Zero Waste ChefSlow cooker apple butter from Family Food On The Table, and homemade apple butter with the peels onThe Kitchn’s guide on apple butterKari’s favorite blister-fried peanuts Celery, apple, peanut salad by Joshua McFadden from Bon AppetitThe fennel, sausage, apple casserole recipe can be found in the cookbook Six Seasons: A New Way With Vegetables by Joshua McFadden and Martha HolmbergApple dumpling recipePear, mascarpone crostini recipe can be found in the cookbook Seriously Simple HolidaysPear + mascarpone crostini from Cake-n-Knife Blog Sonya’s pear, rosemary, goat cheese galetteEndive salad with pear, pecans, and dijon dressing from the Salad WhispererBittersweet chocolate and pear cake from Smitten Kitchen Fuyu v. hachiya persimmons explainedDavid Tanis’ persimmon salad with radicchio and walnuts from NYT Cookinga...

Do you ever find your soups bland, and missing that extra something — like a zippy, flavorful sauce that turns a humble meal into something extra special? 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 make this hearty bean soup topped with herby green hot sauce that comes together in seconds in your blender, and you’ll get inspired to serve dinner in a crispy tortilla bowl – filled with an updated take on the classic taco salad that’s full of veggies, and makes for an easy meatless meal. Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration! ***Links to from this week’s show:Sonya’s Yemenite white bean soup with zhougHow to make crispy taco salad shells from Natasha’s Kitchen, and a roasted cauliflower taco bowl to serve inside it from Budget BytesFor a more classic take, try taco salad by Sohla from  NYT Cooking***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! 323-452-9084Sign up for Sonya’s free Substack, or order her debut cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!

Are you ready to simplify your fall hosting while still impressing your guests, whether for holidays, potlucks, or casual dinners with friends?Fall gatherings can be overwhelming, from multi-course holiday dinners to last-minute potlucks. This episode provides you with 4 easy yet sophisticated menus with recipes and hosting tips, so you can delight your guests without stress. Whether you're hosting for Rosh Hashanah, going to a tailgate, or just cooking a casual dinner at home, this episode helps you create a relaxed, festive vibe in your kitchen. By the end of this episode, you will learn how to:1. Create stunning, low-effort appetizers that can be assembled in advance, and made almost entirely with store-bought ingredients. 2. Choose a main course that will impress guests, like a seasonal salad that’s hearty enough to be a main, studded with fresh herbs and jewel-toned pomegranate seeds, or a delicious one-pot braised beef and aromatic rice dish 3. Enjoy the comfort of make-ahead desserts, like Kari’s crowd-pleasing chocolate sheet cake that travels well, or the spiced cookies that Sonya makes that taste better the next day Don’t miss out on this essential fall hosting episode — press play now to make your next gathering unforgettable! ***Links to from this week’s show:Menu #1Yotam Ottolenghi’s fig, radicchio, and hazelnut salad for the GuardianSonya’s beef plov and plum frangipane babka Sonya’s honey sesame cake and one-bowl tzimmes cakeMenu #2Baked brie by Ina Garten  Ottolenghi’s quinoa and fennel salad for Bon AppetitPear slab pie with sour dried cherries from Martha Stewart LivingMenu #3Sonya’s smoked fish platterColu Henry’s sheet pan roasted chicken with shallot and roasted grape for NYT CookingSonya’s apple + walnut spiced cookies in her recent SubstackMenu #4Classic cheese ball recipe from It Tastes Better From ScratchFried chicken from your favorite placeTexas Chocolate Cake from All Recipes***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! 323-452-9084Sign up for Sonya’s free Substack, or order her debut cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!

Are you stumped on what to bring to a potluck? Looking for a dish that will please a crowd but is still simple to make and transport?In this bite-sized episode, we share listener questions and offer expert advice to inspire you and each other!Discover our go-to potluck salad and the tricks to keeping it fresh for hours. Plus, get tips on making hosting easier by delegating kitchen tasks—learn what jobs to assign to your partner or friend when feeding a crowd.Tune in for a quick dose of home-cooking inspiration!Have your own culinary question? CALL on our kitchen phone! 323-452-9084***Links to from this week’s show:A kale and lentil recipe that’s similar to Kari’s sister-in-law’s, and a kale and lentil bowl recipe that’s a bit heartier (check out our Instagram for pics!) Farro and cauliflower parm by Sarah DiGregorio for the NYT CookingMelissa Clark’s spinach salad with roasted root vegetables and spiced chickpeas  for NYT CookingOur potluck episode - Season 1, Episode 4***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! 323-452-9084Sign up for Sonya’s free Substack, or order her debut cookbook Braidsfor more Food Friends recipes!

When summer meets fall, do you find yourself both excited and overwhelmed with the abundance of produce available at the farmers’ markets this time of year? If you’re like us, you’re craving the fresh flavors of fall, like crisp apples, harvest salads with vibrant greens, and soups with warming spices like ginger and turmeric.This week, we’re sharing our fall cooking bucket lists, including what to pick up for your next fall produce haul and what to cook with it! By the end of the episode, you’ll…1. Discover a mushroom dish that’s universally loved and is ideal for both weeknights as well as dinner parties. 2. Learn how to turn simple roasted squash into a luscious mash with caramelized onions and topped with fresh herbs3. Find out how to maximize pantry staples to transform simple roasted peppers and grilled eggplant, and turn them into crowd-pleasing meatless mealsTune in now and get inspired to create memorable fall meals using your favorite seasonal produce - straight from your local farmers’ market to your table!***Links to from this week’s show:ABC Kitchen’s squash toast by way of Smitten Kitchen Delicata squash, corn, zucchini fritters by Kay Chun from NYT Cooking Kale, delicata, ricotta salata salad from Camille StylesSonya’s plum and rosemary challah, her marinated red bell peppersIna Garten’s plum cake tatin Grilled eggplant with lemons and labne, with fresh mint by Dawn Perry from Bon AppetitGreek Fisherman’s Stew by Florence Fabricant from NYT CookingGarlic butter roasted mushrooms from Smitten Kitchen***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! 323-452-9084Sign up for Sonya’s free Substack, or order her debut cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!

Are you looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert to serve at your next dinner party? Or maybe, you’re searching for an easy sheet-pan dinner that can make weeknight cooking a little easier? 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 make this healthy salmon recipe that comes together with pantry staples, and take your weeknight dinners to the next level. You’ll also love this easy skillet peach cobbler that travels well and feeds a crowd, and tastes just as great with peaches from the farmers’ market OR from your freezer. Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!***Links to from this week’s show:Harissa-honey glazed salmon (which can be swapped with steelhead trout)Hudson valley fisheries steelhead troutSonya’s favorite brand of harissa pasteMelissa Clark’s peach cobbler for NYT Cooking***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! 323-452-9084Sign up for Sonya’s free Substack, or order her debut cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!

Do you feel nervous about hosting, and wish you could create a warm and generous vibe for guests with a few simple homemade starters and snacks? If you’re looking for unfussy recipes that make entertaining easy, tune into our episode with Carolina Gelen. Her simple-to-follow recipes communicate love and care, even when you don’t have lots of time to spend in the kitchen.This week you’ll…1. Learn simple yet impressive recipes like “Butter Pecan Twists” made with pantry staples like brown sugar, butter, and frozen puff pastry. 2. Discover how to create a warm and inviting atmosphere by pulling fluffy homemade focaccia out of the oven just as the doorbell rings. 3. Get inspired by what Carolina learned from her childhood about being resourceful in the kitchen, and how that translates into accessible and impressive potluck dishes like her cabbage roll cake or one-pot baked risotto. Tune in now for home cooking tips, recipes, and heart-warming stories with Carolina Gelen! ***Links to from this week’s show:Get your copy of Pass the Plate, Carolina Gelen’s debut cookbook with recipes like butter pecan twist, stuffed dates, cabbage roll cake, and more!Carolina’s Instagram, TikTok, and Substack!Carolina’s recipes for phyllo-wrapped fish sticks, her pickle latkes, her viral roasted cherry tomato soup, and loaded smashed potatoesHot mustard DoritosCarolina’s cookbook pick: Shelf Love by the Ottolenghi test kitchen***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! 323-452-9084Sign up for Sonya’s free Substack, or order her debut cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!