Food Friends: Home Cooking Made Easy

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 creamyAn easy peach jam made with frozen fruit that can be transformed into a simple cookie that you’ll want to gift to someone you loveAn 8-minute caramelized pear that is surprisingly decadent, especially when topped on a scoop of ice creamTune in now and bring bright, flavorful treats to your table any time of year! ***Links: Blood orange almond ricotta cake by Liz PruittEasy 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 EpicuriousAlice 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 peachesUse 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 Food8-minute caramelized cinnamon spiced pears from Minimalist BakerFreeze-dried berry no-bake cheesecake from Serious EatsFamous mango pie from Home Cooking with Samin Nostrat and Hrishi Hirway***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084For 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!

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 BaguetteCoconut Miso Salmon Curry by Kay Chun, from NYT Cooking (unlocked) ***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.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 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 indulgentDiscover both savory and sweet dishes that have a big wow factor with 5-ingredients or lessTreat 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 KitchenSheet pan roasted sausage and grapes by Sheela Prakash for The KitchnAnd 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 DishCarbonara in a jar from GrubstreetCheese fondue night from The Kitchn 5-ingredient chocolate mousse from Nagi Maehashi (with video too!)Silken tofu chocolate mousse from As Easy As Apple PieSkillet chocolate chip cookie by David Turner from King Arthur Baking ***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.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!

Are you stuck in a dinner rut, relying on that familiar jar of pasta sauce for a quick weeknight meal? 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 caramelized shallot pasta to your weekly dinner rotation (and it makes enough sauce for 2 meals!). You’ll also learn one of our favorite techniques for cooking sweet potatoes so they’re fluffy and tender — and topped with a flavorful sauce that takes just minutes to make!Tune in now for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration! ***Links:Alison Roman’s carmelized shallot pasta recipe and videoCarla Lalli Music’s steamed sweet potatoes with tahini butter ***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.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 the secret to transforming tough cuts of meat and sturdy vegetables into fork-tender meals that feel like a warm hug on a cold day?If you’ve ever been disappointed by a chewy brisket, flavorless chicken, or dry pot roast, this episode will give you the foolproof techniques and tips for braising success. By the end of this episode you’ll:Learn how to braise like a pro with equipment you already have in your kitchen (no Dutch oven required!)Explore classic recipes like comforting smothered pork chops and a rich coq au vinDiscover time-saving tricks that will make a braised-dish your next go-to for hostingTune in now to bring the magic of braising into your kitchen this season!***LINKS:Tyler Florence’s wine-braised beef brisket recipe Beer-braised brisket with onions from Food.com, and one for the slow cooker from The KitchnGeorge Graham’s Smothered Pork Chops with andouille, which are richer than his wife’s Roxanne’s version (and Kari describes both versions in the ep!). Here’s a simpler recipe, too. Just be sure to use thin, bone-in chops and continue simmering until they are fork-tender and falling off the bone. Traditional coq au vin by Ina Garten, or a slightly easier version by Damn DeliciousEric Kim’s garlic-braised chicken recipe from NYT Cooking (unlocked) Amateur Gourmet’s braised chicken recipe and videoSamin Nostrat’s soy-braised short rib recipeGinger beer-braised butternut squash by Alexa Weibel from NYT Cooking (unlocked) Oven-braised red kuri squash video on TikTok from Kate Woodward (inspired by Prune by Gabrielle Hamilton)Braised leeks from Fox and Briar***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.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!

Are you feeling the chill in the air and looking for a cozy meal to warm you up?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 whip out your big pot to cook up a spicy, aromatic, Moroccan stew that is full of veggies. You’ll also discover the tips to making the easiest, most delicious, buttery, garlicky noodles for a quick weeknight supper.Tune in now for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration! ***Links:Lamb and chickpea stew from Jo Cooks, similar to what Sonya made, and an Instant Pot version from Zestful kitchen  Ali Slagle’s lemon garlic linguine from NYT Cooking, and a similar recipe (with a little less butter) from Pinch & Swirl ***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.Order Sonya's debut cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!

Can the aroma of freshly baked bread or a pot of steaming golden soup offer comfort and connection to those in your community during times of crisis?In moments of uncertainty, like natural disasters or personal hardships, food can be more than sustenance — it can be a source of hope, normalcy, and care. This week we’re diving into practical ways to support your community through cooking... turning simple meals into powerful acts of kindness.By the end of this episode, you’ll:Discover our go-to dishes for comfort and nutrition: like a chewy breakfast cookie, a big pot of chicken soup, and an easy sheet pan mealLearn practical tips for meal deliveryGet inspired with impactful ways to make a difference even when you can't cookTune in now to uncover how cooking homemade meals can make a meaningful difference, one thoughtful dish at a time!***Links:Our easy sourdough episode, and Adrian Hale’s recipe for: “Communal Table Bread - My easiest first bread recipe”You can find out more about Adrian on Thousand Bites of Bread, or on her Instagram Order her cookbook: Mama BreadZoe Francois’ breakfast cookies from her cookbook Zoe Bakes CookiesSonya’s stuffed cabbage and her golden chicken soup with matzo ballsFarro and cauliflower parmesan by Sarah Di Gregorio for NYT Cooking, and Smitten Kitchen’s crusty baked farro and cauliflowerLemony chicken and coconut soup from our Substack Similar to what Sonya makes, sheet pan chicken thighs and roasted sweet potatoes from Paleo Grubs (modify to your liking with spices, or additional veggies!)How to make overnight oats from The Kitchn***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here.Order Sonya's debut cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!

Are you looking for a way to revamp your leftovers into a quick dinner? 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 tender, salmon cakes that come together in 15 minutes! And you'll discover a simple spicy soup made with flavorful salsa; it's a protein-packed comfort meal that’s as quick to prepare as it is satisfying... thanks to the help of rotisserie chicken. Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!***Links:Ina Garten’s salmon cakes made with cooked or leftover salmon, and salmon patties made with fresh salmon from the Mediterranean Dish and a simpler version from Food Network. (Make sure to add extra dill!)Easy salsa soup, similar to Kari’s, but we suggest you heat oil in your pot, then add the salsa for a few minutes, before adding the broth and any additional add-ins. A vegan speedy salsa soup option, too!***Got a cooking question? Leave us a message at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspo, sign up for our Substack here.Order Sonya's debut cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!

What if one ingredient could turn your weeknight dinners into savory, satisfying dishes in less than 30 minutes — without ever feeling repetitive?Cooking dinner can sometimes feel like a dull routine, but a simple can of chickpeas can change that. With the help of Sarah Bond, nutritionist and creator of Live Eat Learn, this week’s episode dives into the world of vegetarian meals built around our favorite versatile, affordable pantry staple. Whether you’re looking to save time, eat healthier, or get inspired in the kitchen, chickpeas are the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemma!By the end of this episode, you’ll learn how to:Whip up the viral  “Marry Me Chickpeas” in 15 minutes!Discover the unique, simple spice blend for addictive “Dorito” chickpeas – a snack-turned-main-dish that even reluctant bean lovers will enjoyCook up easy meatless dinners, like crispy, golden air-fried chickpeas and a flavorful sheet pan meal packed with vegetables Hit play on this episode to uncover the endless possibilities of chickpeas and transform your weeknight meals! ***LinksSarah Bond’s site: Live Eat Learn, Instagram, and her cookbook!Marry Me Chickpeas (with creamy Tuscan sauce)Roasted chickpea gyros Roasted veggie glow bowlsCopy-cat Cafe Yum sauceCrispy air fryer chickpeas 15-minute chickpea tacos with creamy cilantro sauceChickpea blondiesVegan chicken and dumplings (with chickpeas!)Chickpea pot pieVegan aquafaba + coconut popsiclesAnd a favorite recipe of Sarah's: Chai cinnamon rolls***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 ever wonder how to make salads taste good in the height of winter?Every week, we share a bite-sized episode with delicious moments about the best things we ate to inspire each other – and you! In this episode, you’ll discover two meal prep and potluck-friendly salads that will brighten up any plate, including a viral carrot salad that tastes better the longer it sits; and a vibrant, nutty broccoli salad that can be the star of your next buffet spread. Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!Links:Korean carrot salad recipe from Alyona’s Cooking, and watch Danielle walk you through making her viral version on TikTokJulienne vegetable peeler from OXO or one for under $5Hetty Lui McKinnon’s broccoli, date and pistachio saladFreddy Guy hazelnutsSonya’s favorite ras el hanout spice blendOne of our other favorite broccoli salads by Sohla El-Waylly***Got a cooking question? Call and leave us a voicemail! 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!