Food Friends: Home Cooking Made Easy

Are you hosting for fall holidays, gatherings, or dinner parties but have no idea what to make? And more importantly, are you wishing it could be easier and smoother? Autumn is packed with reasons to celebrate — holiday feasts, game-day spreads, or casual weeknight dinners — but hosting can feel overwhelming when you’re juggling dietary needs, timing, and presentation. This episode is your shortcut to planning beautiful, seasonal menus that impress without keeping you in the kitchen all night. By the end, you’ll discover:Four ready-to-roll menus with mains, sides, and desserts that will have guests asking you for the recipeDietary-restriction-friendly swaps to keep your hosting vegetarian-friendly, kosher, or grain-free without sacrificing flavorTips for make-ahead dishes so that hosting can feel calmerPress play now to plan fall gatherings that buzz with energy, taste incredible, and keep you at the heart of the party!***This week’s episode is sponsored by La Baleine, makers of ancestral sea salts harvested from France.La Baleine’s Kosher Sea Salt is uniquely naturally harvested from the Mediterranean Sea, crystallized by the sun and sea breezes, and responsibly sourced.Additive free and 100% pure, its small, flake-like crystals make it perfect for everyday cooking. It seasons evenly, is easy to pinch, and enhances everything from soups and pastas to vegetables and meat.👉 Grab a box here, or find it at your local Whole Foods Market, and make this sea-harvested kosher salt a staple in your kitchen. Use code BALKOS10 for $1 off your order!***Links:Sonya’s Menu 1: Rosh Hashanah or Fall Festive Gathering Salad: Crunchy cabbage slaw with farro and pecorino (swap mayo for pecorino in the dressing to keep it non-dairy) from The KitchenMain: Sonya & Kari’s port and wine braised short ribs from the pop-up they cooked togetherSide: Fried eggplant and honey “Berenjenas con Miel” by José Andrés for Food & WineDessert: Pistachio cake with pomegranate glaze by Tannaz Sassooni for King Arthur Baking, or for a similar cake with plums try Andy Baraghani’s pistachio plum cakeKari Menu 1: “Take it Outside” Picnic, Potluck, Camping, or Tailgate-worthyMain: Swiss Chard Slab Pie by Kristin Donnelly for NYT Cooking (unlocked) Side: Oven-roasted parsnips with hazelnut picada from the Gjelina Cookbook, via Stacey SnacksDessert: a...

What’s the secret to cooking fish so that it doesn’t stick to the pan? 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 easy way to turn seasonal shelling beans into a brothy, rustic meal, and you’ll find out why grilled fish with tropical fruit salsa might be the next thing you’ll cook up for dinner. Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration! *** Links:Sonya’s style of cooking cranberry beans, and a similar recipe from Taste Space (just use fresh tomato and basil instead of tomato paste, and add stock to simmer the beans in)A recipe for grilled swordfish with mango-pineapple salsa from Kevin is Cooking blogThe secret to perfectly grilled fish: mayonnaise! from The KitchnKari tried this dish at Bluewater Grill Avalon on Catalina Island Nicole Rucker’s amazing banana bread recipe can be found in her book Fat & Flour***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here. You can also now find us on YouTube. We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!Book a farmers’ market tour with Sonya in Portland, OR!

Struggling to find baking recipes that look great online but flop when you try them at home? That’s why we asked Sally McKenney, of Sally’s Baking, to share her foolproof fall bakes from her site and her new cookbook: Sally’s Baking 101. These are recipes that actually work every time, are stress-free, and will fill your home with the scent of brown sugar, warm chai, and buttery caramel.  By the end of this episode, you’ll be excited to bring these seasonally inspired treats to your own table and share them at potlucks, tailgates, and fall gatherings. You’ll discover:How to bake up cozy fall treats with ease, from quick wins like Chai-spiced blondies to an impressive beginner-friendly apple cakeThe unexpected ingredient that will be the go-to addition to your next batch of muffins The secret behind Sally’s all-time most popular recipe: Chewy Chocolate Chip CookiesPress play now to get inspired by fall recipes that will make your home baking easier, more delicious, and perfect for autumnal gatherings!  ***This week’s episode is sponsored by La Baleine, makers of ancestral sea salts harvested from France.A high-quality finishing salt can transform just about any dish, and their Le Saunier de Camargue Fleur de Sel with Herbes de Provence takes it a step further. Blended with organic herbs — thyme, savory, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, and hyssop — it’s a timeless mix that adds fragrance and flavor to everything from roast chicken and vegetables, or even breads.👉 Grab a jar here, or at your local Whole Foods Market, and bring the flavors of Provence straight to your kitchen. Use code LESAUNIERH15 for $2 off! ***Links:Get your copy of Sally McKenney’s new cookbook: Sally’s Baking 101!Follow Sally on Instagram, and find more of her trusted recipes on Sally’s BakingSally’s recipes mentioned in this episode: Sally’s most popular recipe from her website: Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies A cake Sally hopes more people might try: Burnt Sugar Caramel CakeAn easy fall baked good: “Chai Spiced Blondies” (from Sally’s Baking 101)A fall breakfast baked good: “Pumpkin Spice Latte Muffins” (from Sally’s Baking 101)A cozy fall quick bread: “Apple Cider Spiced Bread” (from Sally’s Baking 101)Sally's favorite fall cookie: Maple Brown Sugar CookieA delicious apple dessert: a...

How do you like your egg salad? Simple and classic with minimal ingredients? Or do you like a maximalist version with tons of flavor? 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 Kari’s 4-ingredient easy egg salad for quick meal prep and sandwiches, or Sonya’s golden egg salad with a secret ingredient and a special technique. Plus, you’ll hear about a sweet-and-salty twist on Rice Krispies treats that you’ll want to whip up for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, and back-to-school gatherings.Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration! ***Links:Our two takes on egg salad from our Substack!Brown butter rice crispie treats from Smitten Kitchen – which Kari added crumbled pretzel and golden raisins too***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here. You can also now find us on YouTube. We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!Book a farmers’ market tour with Sonya in Portland, OR!

What if the secret to making effortless, delicious meals was already in your pantry?If you’ve ever opened your pantry searching for dinner inspiration but ended up cooking the same-old boring meal, this episode is for you! By the end of this episode, you’ll: Learn how a staple like tomato paste can be the base of a flavor broth or quick sauce Learn why chefs swear by anchovies to bring a punch to countless dishes… including an easy dressing!Find out how Japanese curry cubes are your ticket to a quick dinner with any protein or veggies you have on handHit play now! The secret to flavor-packed cooking is already sitting on your pantry shelf! ***Links:Tomato paste:  in Sonya’s manti in brothy tomato sauce, and Alison Roman’s caramelized shallot pasta, and for our go-to coconut red lentil dishCanned chickpeas: Kari’s #1 quick meal = bite-sized pasta with chickpeas, and whatever veg/herbs she has (we also love Serious Eats' pasta e ceci), and a simple chickpea salad is always a great base for a bigger salad. We love a simple chickpea coconut curry, and also using a can for a 5-minute hummus! Anchovies: Discover what to do with a tin of anchovies from Serious Eats, and we love them for a simple dressing, and as the base of pasta sauces like Midnight pastaCoconut Milk: for a 30-minute veggie coconut curry from Minimalist Baker, and for Coconut Miso Salmon Curry from Kay Chun for NYT Cooking (unlocked), and in Kari's sunny chicken soup with lemon and coconut milkTahini: Some of our favorite tahini brands: Soom, Seed & Mill, Whole Foods a...

Have you ever wanted to make a deli-style pickle at home, but are too intimidated to try? 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 learn how easy it is to turn a bevy of cucumbers + salt into homemade pickles – with no fancy equipment or complicated ingredients required! You’ll also discover a vegetarian Italian pasta dish that uses up all the gorgeous eggplant at the farmers’ market right now. Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!***Links:One of our favorite recipes for lacto-fermented (sour) pickles is from The Gefilteria. They use 2 Tablespoons of kosher salt to 4 cups of water. For half-sour pickles, ferment for a shorter amount of time. A more exact and very helpful guide to making lacto-fermented pickles at home from Farmhouse on Boone!A simple guide to lacto-fermentation from NomaPasta alla Norma by J. Kenji Lopez-Alt for Serious Eats, similar to how Kari made hers, and David Lebovitz’s Pasta alla Norma that uses roasted eggplant  ***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here. You can also now find us on YouTube. Book a farmers’ market tour with Sonya in Portland, OR!

Craving a sweet treat to beat the summer heat, but can’t even imagine walking into your hot kitchen, let alone turning on the oven? In this episode re-release, we’re divulging our tried and true easy summer dessert recipes to make at home, from cold and creamy to perfectly packable, no cooking required! This week you’ll discover:Fast and easy icebox cakes and frozen pies that bring excitement to any table and rely on easy to find ingredientsA chocolatey cookie treat that travels easily to the beach, picnic, or on a road trip A make-ahead dessert from Sonya’s childhood that maximizes seasonal fruit and is perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice creamTune in now for a spoonful of sweet inspiration!   ***Links:Sonya’s raspberry mocha icebox cake, strawberry tiramisu, and fruit compote recipesIna Garten’s mocha icebox cakeChocolate wafers for icebox cake (or use oreo thins!) 18 ice cream pie ideas from Taste of HomeNot-so-classic peach melba from David Tanis for the NY TimesClassic Scotheroos recipes from Tastes Better From ScratchBuckeyes recipe by Tammy Winters for All RecipesTricia Yearwood’s no-bake rocky road barsAll the rocky road bar combos on TikTokIna Garten’s limoncello fruit salad recipe ***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here. You can also now find us on YouTube. We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!a

What if you could make the creamiest, smoothest hummus in only 5 minutes? 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 learn how to make the easiest, most delicious 5-minute hummus that can be the start of your next great dinner or might become a lunchbox hero. You’ll also discover a recipe for a colorful red pepper relish that’s smoky, tangy, and perfect for crostini, which can be made ahead and easily packed up for al fresco dining.Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!***Links:Michael Solomonov’s 5-minute hummus recipeSabich sandwiches from Serious EatsMake-ahead grilled pepper relish by Elaine Johnson from Sunset Magazine Hetty Lui McKinnon’s roasted tomato and dumpling salad from NYT Cooking Broccoli spoon salad by Beverly Kim from Bon Appetit ***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here. You can also now find us on YouTube. We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!Book a farmers’ market tour with Sonya in Portland, OR!

Have you ever wondered why corn, beans, and squash are often grown –  and cooked – together?In late summer and early fall, sweet corn, tender squash, and every kind of bean offer a special kind of abundance at our gardens and local farmers’ markets. But with all that bounty, what do you actually cook?We’re sharing our top 10 Three Sisters-inspired recipes, and by the end of this episode, you’ll:Learn why these crops are called the “Three Sisters,” and get reliable recipes to combine all three... because “what grows together, goes together”Discover quick and easy ways to maximize all that remaining zucchini piling up, from a simple Korean side dish to a rich and nutritious bruschetta toppingFind out trusted recipes to make the most of corn while it’s still here, like an irresistible soup and a weeknight chicken dinner Tune in now for peak summer flavors, comforting meals, and exciting ways to cook with beans, corn, and squash!***This week’s episode is sponsored by La Baleine, makers of ancestral sea salts harvested from France.A high-quality sea salt can transform just about any dish, and finishing sea salt is one of those small touches that makes a big difference in home cooking. We love their Le Saunier de Camargue Fleur de Sel. It’s harvested by hand during a few weeks each year, when the sea, air, and wind align to create the delicate “salt flower” that rises to the surface. Grab a jar of their flaky fleur de sel here, or at your local Whole Foods Market, and add a little French sparkle to your next dish. Use code LESAUNIER15 for $2 off your order!***Links:Our three sisters’ episode from Season 2 with Javier Lara: The three sisters: Indigenous wisdom for growing, sharing, and home cooking squash, beans, and cornAlso from season 2, you can listen to an entire episode about Summer Corn To learn more about the three sisters, we highly recommend Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding SweetgrassCornSonya’s corn soup

Ever wondered what muffin recipe is endlessly versatile, and also yields fluffy, not-too-sweet results? 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 simple, reliable muffin recipe that you can make with just about any fruit, and a stunning 30-minute summer pasta dish that uses an unexpected herb (that you might already have growing in your garden).Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!***Links:King Arthur Baking’s best basic muffin recipeSonya’s “galette with any fruit” recipe, we love using Nicole Rucker’s pie dough technique from recipe in Fat & FlourWishbone Kitchen’s sungold tomato pasta ***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here. You can also now find us on YouTube. We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!Book a farmers’ market tour with Sonya in Portland, OR!

What’s one recipe that changed everything in your kitchen — and maybe even your friendships? If you’re a home cook who’s ever felt stuck in a rut, outgrown old favorites, or longed for a deeper connection at the dinner table, this episode is for you. We’re reflecting on the recipes we return to again and again, and how they shape our kitchens, our routines, and our relationships. Passing a recipe from one friend to another can ripple outward, becoming part of something bigger than just dinner.To celebrate our 200th episode, we’re sharing the top 10 recipes that have transformed how we cook and host… and brought us closer as friends. that have transformed how we cook and host…  and brought us closer as friends. By the end of this episode, you’ll:Discover reliably delicious recipes for entertaining, potlucks, meal delivery, and quick weeknight mealsLearn unexpected tips, from slow cooker short-cuts to the dish that turned a salad-skeptic kid into a salad loverFind out the easiest dessert that we have made dozens of times, and have even served for breakfast!Press play now, and rediscover why cooking at home still feels exciting, nourishing, and new… even after hundreds of meals. ***This week’s episode is sponsored by La Baleine, makers of ancestral sea salts harvested from France.A good quality salt can enhance the flavor of just about any dish, and even your next dessert!We love their fine grey sea salt from the mineral-rich clay of the Guérande region. Untreated and additive free, it’s hand-harvested using traditional know-how. 👉 Grab a jar here or at your local Whole Foods Market, and bring a little French magic to your kitchen. Until August 12th, the first 1,000 customers who order from the link can select a coupon for $1 off their purchase!***LINKS:Sonya’s favorite recipes from Kari:Farro and Cauliflower Parm by Sarah DiGregorio for NYT Cooking (unlocked) is now a go-to for hosting or for meal deliveryQuinoa and broccoli spoon salad by Sohla El-Waylly for the NYT Cooking (unlocked)Blueberry Pudding Cake from Epicurious has been made countless times in every seasonKari’s favorite recipes from Sonya:Kari eats more salad because of Sonya, and her favorites are the kale with mint and strawberries, the Maria’s chopped salad, and most importantly, the

Are you looking for a fresh take on how to use up your haul of peak-season summer corn? 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 some winning recipes from Sonya’s recent cookbook club meeting, and you’ll want to try an herbaceous, plant-based take on classic creamed corn. You’ll also discover an easy twist on butter chicken that requires no chicken at all, and comes together in one pot for a satisfying meatless weeknight dinner. Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!***Links: This month’s cookbook club pick: The Cook You Want To Be, by Andy Baraghani Andy Baraghani’s Kufteh (rice + meat meatballs), his pistachio plum cake, and the coconut creamed corn recipe can be found in the cookbook. Spicytude butter chicken spice mix (not sponsored for this episode)Paneer butter masala recipe (a veggie take on butter chicken) from Indian Healthy Recipes, we recommend adding chickpeas too!, and a fully vegan butter chicken option from Vegan Richa***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here. You can also now find us on YouTube. We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!Book a farmers’ market tour with Sonya in Portland, OR!

Do you feel nervous about hosting, and wish you could create a warm and generous vibe for guests with a few simple 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 a lots of time to spend in the kitchen, allowing you to enjoy more quality time with your guests!This week you’ll…Learn simple yet impressive recipes like “Butter Pecan Twists” that come together quickly with pantry staples like brown sugar, butter, and frozen puff pastry. Discover how to create a warm and inviting atmosphere by pulling a fluffy homemade focaccia out of the oven just as the doorbell rings. 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: 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 potatoes, Hot mustard DoritosOttolenghi test kitchen cookbook: Shelf Love***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here. You can also now find us on YouTube. We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!Book a farmers’ market tour with Sonya in Portland!

Do you find yourself staring at gorgeous piles of ripe, colorful summer tomatoes and longing to turn them into something special? Something unforgettable? If you need a boost of inspiration to make use of the juicy tomatoes in your kitchen and are underwhelmed with your standard summer tomato repertoire, tune into this week’s episode to enhance your home cooking! This week you’ll learn….The trick to keeping even the juiciest BLT sandwiches neat and tidy, plus a genius vegetarian version that’s full of flavor and sure to please all the guests at your dinner table. How to bake a summer tomato tart that even The Great British Bake-Off would approve of, hint: no soggy bottom pies allowed. An easy recipe that turns sweet cherry tomatoes into a weeknight sheet-pan dinner, helping you get a delicious dinner on the table in minutesDon’t miss out on these six mouth-watering tomato recipes and tune in now to transform your summer cooking! LinksHow to make a bacon weave video from Justin Chapple for Food and Wine, and his BLT recipeAn HLT sandwich from the NY Times  – like a BLT but with halloumi  insteadYemenite tomato dip from OttolenghiPan con tomate (Spanish tomato bread) by Kenji Lopez-Alt for Serious EatsHoda’s restaurant in Portland, ORA fatoush salad with pomegranate molasses dressing by Reem Assil via Tasting Table How to make homemade pita chips from Natasha’s Kitchen Fresh tomato tart by David Leibovitz, and another great tomato tart from Smitten Kitchen Paneer with burst cherry tomato sauce by Sohla El-Waylly for Bon Appetit10 minute sausage skillet with cherry tomatoes and broccoli by Anna Stockwell for EpicuriousSimply Tomato cookbook by Martha Holmberg, and her a...

Have you ever wondered how restaurants and chefs get their schnitzel or chicken cutlets perfectly crispy, thin, and golden, every single time?This week, we’re answering a caller question from our kitchen hotline all about how to master the art of schnitzel at home.We’re sharing all our pro tips for perfecting crispy cutlets: from the best type of breadcrumbs to use to how to keep them crisp once they’re out of the frying pan. We’ll also reveal the biggest lesson we’ve learned about frying chicken…and it just might go against everything you’ve been taught!Tune in for a bite-sized dose of home cooking inspiration, and start frying up chicken cutlets at home with confidence!***Links:We love Smitten Kitchen’s crispiest chicken cutlets recipe, as it shares the dredging technique we now use too.This video by Melissa Clark of NYT Cooking will walk you through schnitzel, step by step. We like the “cascade” method for moving the oil around the pan to create a light, crispy-fried coating for any schnitzel. You can find Sonya’s recipe for her chicken schnitzel in her cookbook, Braids. ***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here. You can also now find us on YouTube. We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!Book a farmers’ market tour with Sonya in Portland!

Leaving home doesn’t mean leaving homemade food behind. What if your next road or plane ride included crave-worthy, nourishing meals and snacks that are ready to go before you even pack the car?Say goodbye to soggy sandwiches and overpriced airport food! This episode is your guide to easy, delicious make-ahead meals and snacks for road trips, beach days, and airplane adventures. Whether it’s a 3-ingredient cookie you can bake days in advance, or a thermos full of a refreshing homemade slushie, these recipes are designed to travel well and taste even better on-the-go.By the end of this episode, you’ll:Discover travel-friendly breakfasts that smell like cinnamon and are filled with summer berriesLearn how to make snacks with real staying power –  like a sweet-and-salty trail mix boosted with a protein-rich twistGet pro tips for packing food so it stays cool in a hot car, a long flight, or even on a pontoon boat Press play now to boost your summer travel with easy, packable, and seriously satisfying homemade recipes! ***Links: BreakfastAlison Roman’s blueberry muffin recipe, and Smitten Kitchen’s even more perfect blueberry muffinsBanana nut breakfast bars from Sohly El-Waylly for NYT CookingLunch:Quinoa patties by Heidi Swanson of 101 CookbooksLemony kale avocado sandwiches by Dirty Gourmet for Sunset Magazine Snacks:Coconut date balls by Feel Good FoodieChickpea & cherries snack mix from Well PlatedSweets:3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies from All Recipes English flapjacks from Smitten Kitchen Beverages:Watermelon slushie by From My Bowl Good juices (like the ones from JJ’s Lone Daugher Ranch), frozen and used as ice packs ***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here. You can also now find us on a...

Does a dinner party have to be “perfect” to be memorable? And what are the keys to ease and success when hosting? In this bite-sized episode, we share delicious moments about the best things we ate this week to inspire each other – and you!We’re sharing menus from two separate dinner parties – one that felt easy, and one that was slightly more ambitious. We learned a lot by swapping notes about what worked well and what didn’t go quite like we imagined. By the end of this episode, you’ll learn how to make your next hosting experience stress-free, and you’ll also discover the best recipe for a bubbling pan of cheesy stuffed shells layered with rich tomato sauce. It’s a make-ahead friendly dish that’s perfect for gathering friends at your kitchen table. You’ll also discover our favorite layered salad, a vegetarian update of a Midwestern classic that’s ideal for meal prep or can easily stand out at your next potluck.Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!LinksIna Garten’s stuffed shells recipe – Sonya skips the egg, and adds fresh thyme instead of Italian seasoning + grated parm or pecorino on topSonya’s challah recipe can be found in her cookbook: BraidsSonya’s fava bean mint dip recipe Butter swim biscuits by Naz Deravian from NYT Cooking Kari’s 10-Layer Midwestern-inspired Salad from our Substack (it’s free to subscribe!)Buffalo mushrooms by Ali Slagle for NYT Cooking (unlocked), specifically not using portobellosGrilled fruit en papillote from Gourmet Magazine***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here. You can also now find us on YouTube. We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!Book a farmers’ market tour with Sonya in Portland!

Too hot to cook — but still searching for something satisfying, fresh, and fast to get on the table for dinner?In this episode, we’re sharing our favorite no-sweat summer dinners, think: refreshing lettuce wraps you can eat with your hands while sitting on the porch, cold noodles slicked with a savory sauce, and creamy tofu so soft it melts on your tongue. Whether you're craving something chilled, charred, or cheesy, this episode is full of realistic, weeknight-ready ideas for getting a satisfying dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less.By the end of this episode, you’ll:Learn how to turn peak-season produce into a dinner that takes minutes, like blistered veggie pancakes and an easy sheetpan chicken dinner loaded with peppersGet the scoop on a dreamy one-pot pasta that turns grated zucchini into a tangy, creamy sauce with zero fussStock up on flexible recipes that balance freshness and flavor, like scratch-made flatbread that comes together in minutes, and a 15-minute 5-star noodle dishSkip the sweat and savor the season — press play now and discover the summer dinner shortcuts! ***LinksCold silken tofu with chili soy sauce by The Floured CameraKorean multigrain rice from Maangchi, and a quicker version from Tiffy Cooks that doesn’t require soaking Ground turkey, shitake, and cashew lettuce wraps by Cybelle Tondu from NYT Cooking (unlocked), and a vegetarian mushroom tofu PF Chang copycat recipe30-minute sheetpan chicken fajitas from Midwest Foodie BlogCaprese chicken by Ree Drummond can be served with Ciabatta or focaccia – we love Carolina Gelen’s focaccia recipe Jamie Oliver’s Eggplant Flatbread, and a simple yogurt flatbread from Smitten Kitchen (but this one has you let the dough rest for 30 minutes)Farfalle with yogurt & zucchini by George Germon and Johanne Killeen for Food & Wine Cold noodles with zucchini by Erik Kim for NYT Cooking (unlocked)a...

Have you ever wondered what to do with the bean liquid from a can or pot of beans? 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 strawberry-studded shortcake that’s easy, make-ahead, and party-ready. You’ll also get inspired to taste summer’s jammiest berries thanks to Sonya’s foraging and farmers’ market shopping tips. Plus: we answer a listener's question about what to do with bean liquid from the can -- what to keep, what to rinse, and how bean broth might upgrade your soups, stews, and even baking.Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!***Links:Double strawberry shortcakes by Melissa Clark for NYT Cooking (unlocked) MFK Fisher’s How to Cook a Wolf and Tamar Adler’s An Everlasting Meal So many ways to use aquafaba! From Plant Based Folk, and a few more from America’s Test Kitchen.For aquafaba, typically 3 tablespoons is used for 1 whole egg, and 2 tablespoons for 1 egg white***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here. You can also now find us on YouTube. We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!Book a farmers’ market tour with Sonya in Portland!

Ready to fire up the grill, but tired of the same old burgers and hot dogs? What if your entire meal—from salad to dessert—could be cooked outdoors? This week, we’re sharing 8 easy, meatless grilling recipes that take advantage of peak summer produce. From surprising salads to hearty mains and potluck-friendly sides, these recipes are vegetarian, full of flavor, and can be cooked on any grill… no oven required!By the end of this episode, you’ll discover: How to char veggies perfectly and serve them with easy, restaurant-quality homemade sauces  Why making homemade ricotta (it’s so simple!) is the key to a stunning grilled veggie platterA make-ahead salad that’s perfect for meal prep or bringing to a potluckPress play now and transform your summer grilling routine with 8 veggie-forward recipes! ****Visiting Portland? Or are you a local? For more Food Friends inspiration, book a farmers’ market tour with Sonya!****Links:Mains -Summer ricotta with grilled vegetables from Smitten KitchenBuffalo mushrooms by Ali Slagle for NYT Cooking (unlocked), specifically not using portobellosSalads - Grilled corn panzanella by Ali Slagle for NYT Cooking (unlocked) Grilled broccoli salad with ciabatta croutons from Delish, Kari would serve this all on one sheet pan instead of individual portions Sides -Grilled eggplant mojo de ajo and basil salsa verde from the Gjelina CookbookCharred sugar snap peas with buttermilk aioli, you could also do this with Romano beans or green beans!Desserts -Grilled fruit en papillote from Gourmet MagazineBrazilian grilled pineapple (or mango too!) with coconut ice cream or sorbet****Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here. You can also now find us on YouTube. We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @a...