Food Friends: Home Cooking Made Easy

Have you ever wanted to build the perfect holiday cookie tin but have no idea where to start? Whether you’re dreaming of a buttery shortbread with crispy edges, a strudel bar filled with jammy fruit, or a gluten-free confection that doesn’t taste like it’s missing anything at all… we reveal pro tips for baking your favorite cookies at home with the legendary Zoë François of “Zoe Bakes.”In this episode you’ll discover: The one kitchen tool that every home baker should own Foolproof tips for assembling, shipping, and traveling with holiday cookiesEssential lessons for ensuring perfect cookies every time (even when you're making gluten-free swaps!)Don’t miss your opportunity to learn practical tips and expert advice from Zoë François, and tune in now!(Photo credit: Wing Ho) ***LINKS:You can learn more about Zoë on her site: Zoe Bakes, Instagram, and YouTube.Grab a copy of her NEW NYT Best Selling cookbook, Zoe Bakes Cookies!Zoë’s recipes from this episode:Butter shortbreadSticky coconut maple barsDark chocolate madeleinesCoconut haystacks (gluten-free)Macarons (gluten-free)Some of Zoe’s favorite bakers: Dorie Greenspan, Sarah Kieffer and her Vanilla Bean Blog, Rose Levy Berenbaum, Nancy Silverton, and Claudia Flemming***Got a cooking question? Call in and leave us a voicemail on our kitchen phone! 323-452-9084Sign up for our Substack 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!

At the end of a long day, do you find yourself staring into your fridge or pantry, searching for something that will inspire you to make a protein-packed dinner? We've got you covered! 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 flavor-packed sheet pan chicken dinner loaded with Mediterranean-diet ingredients like olive oil, lemons, and veggies. And if you're on the hunt for a vegan option, you’ll be glad to dig into simple, nutritious, velvety coconut lentils.Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration! ***LinksGreat Jones colorful sheet pans Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Meal by Lisa BryanOur coconut red lentil recipe Diaspora Co spices Coconut kale chips from My Chef’s Apron***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!

Have you ever wondered which cookbooks truly deserve a spot on your kitchen shelf? Whether you’re dreaming of wowing guests with holiday-perfect cinnamon rolls or mastering a melt-in-your-mouth pot roast, the right cookbook can be a game-changer for any home cook.In this episode, we’re diving into the cookbooks that have shaped how we cook—well-loved gems with splattered pages, the ones we gift over and over, and the timeless classics that every home chef should own.By the end of the episode you’ll discover:Why a cookbook with a collection of diverse recipes can be just as (if not more) supportive than one from a single author’s voiceHow a chef from a top restaurant can teach you professional techniques that transform home cookingThe standout recipes from best-selling cookbooks that you’ll want to make on repeatHit play to uncover how these books spark joy, build confidence, and turn your everyday cooking into something extra special in the kitchen!***Sign up for our newsletter here for special offers and opportunities***Links:Kari’s top 5:Most cooked from: The 150 Best American Recipes, by Fran McCullough and Molly StevensMost inspiring: Food of Life: Ancient Persian and Modern Iranian Cooking and Ceremonies, by Najmieh BatmanglijGifted the most to others: Sonya’s cookbook Braids, and The Cooks Illustrated CookbookLife changing: The Improvisational Cook, by Sally SchneiderBiggest influence: The Santa Monica Farmers’ Market Cookbook, by Amelia Satlzman Sonya’s top 5:Most cooked from: Jerusalem by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami TamimiMost inspiring: Summer Kitchens by Olia HerculesGifted the most ot others: Marcella Hazan’s Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking and Julia Turshen’s Small VictoriesLife changing: The Book of Jewish Food by Claudia RodenBiggest influence: Prune: A Cookbook, by Gabrielle HamiltonRecipe links from this episode:Diana Kennedy’s Mexican corn soupButternut squash tahini spread from JerusalemFresh Herb Khoresh (Khoresh-e qormeh sabzi) from Food of LifeJulia Turshen’s turkey meatball recipe  from Small VictoriesToasted manti and cold candied oranges, by Gabrielle Hamilton from Prune***Got a cooking question? Call in and leave us a voicemail on our kitchen phone! 323-452-9084Order 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 love the smell of simmering soup and freshly baked cookies filling your kitchen... but don't think you can manage cooking all that on a busy weekday? 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 a super easy, viral "glow" soup; it's velvety, full of nutrients, and fully plant-based. And for dessert, you’ll get inspired to whip up perfectly crispy-edged, chewy, chocolate chunk tahini cookies that come together in minutes.Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration! Links:The viral TikTok “Glow Soup” by Maddie Harrington/NutriouslyeasyOlia Hercules’ Tarragon Soup from her cookbook Kaukasis: The culinary journey through Georgia, Azerbaijan & BeyondSonya’s tahini chocolate chunk cookies King Arthur’s regeneratively-grown climate blend flour (not sponsored)Adrian Hale’s Mama Bread cookbook for more whole grain baking inspiration***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!

This holiday season, are you searching for easy party snacks that you can make-ahead so you can relax and enjoy your own party? Whether you're asked to bring an appetizer to a gathering or you’re hosting a holiday get-together, coming up with fresh, crowd-pleasing hors d’oeuvres can be a challenge. This episode offers creative party snacks from two former personal chefs who will help you create a memorable party!In this episode, you’ll discover:Expert tips for transforming a simple starter like olives and almonds Recipes that can be scaled up for large parties or scaled down for intimate gatherings, with tips from entertaining mavens like Martha Stewart. Decadent ideas that include a bit of caviar, to irresistible comforting appetizers like nostalgic queso dipListen now to discover a world of party snacks that will keep your guests talking and your gatherings deliciously unforgettable!***Sign up for our Substack for more support in the kitchen!***LinksMartha Stewart’s blanched snowpeas stuffed with boursin cheeseEndive boats with pear and blue cheese from The Yellow TableAmelia Satlsman’s roasted almonds and green olives, you can also find her squash puree for crostini in the The Santa Monica Farmers’ Market Cookbook or try this butternut squash puree Three ingredient goat cheese stuffed dates from Live Eat Learn Sonya’s beet-cured gravlax Ottolenghi’s butternut squash and tahini spreadTarte au soleil from Smitten Kitchen Mississippi roast by Jenn Crippen for All Recipes, and the NYT Cooking version Classic queso dip from All Recipes, and one without the Velveeta from Recipe Tin Eats***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 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 TenderheartGreen beans in mustard vinaigrette and then top with our favorite Freddy Guy hazelnutsGarlicky Haricot Vert from Food & Wine; strongly recommend using olive oil instead of butter or beef tallow so you can serve them at room temperatureCranberry lime pie by Ann Redding and Matt Danzer for Bon AppetitMartha Stewart’s perfect pumpkin pie recipe Previous Thanksgiving Episodes:Thanksgiving with Seth & Lauren Rogen!What do you bring to a potluck? ***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!

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!