Food Friends: Home Cooking Made Easy

When’s the last time you made a burger at home that was better than takeout?Whether you're craving a juicy smash burger, need a foolproof turkey patty, or want a plant-based option that actually tastes good, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking great burgers only come from restaurants. But burger night at home can be quick, easy, and way more customizable than you might think — especially when you’ve got pro tips from two former personal chefs.By the end of this episode you’ll:Master the art of deeply savory, crisp edged burgers, from the of smash burgers to the secret to juicy turkey patties. No grill required!Discover unexpected flavor upgrades—like mustard-brushed patties, kimchi toppings, and a 5-star recipe for an entirely vegan optionLearn how to build a low-stress, high-impact burger bar with topping must-haves and sides that make even a weeknight dinner feel like a party (without the stress).Press play for your next easy, healthy dinner that is stacked, sauced, and sizzling with flavor! ***This episode is sponsored by Spicytude: premium Indian spice kits and flavorful recipes!Spicytude makes Indian cooking easy with all-in-one spice kits. They source and blend the finest spices in perfect proportions, providing you with recipe cards and video instructions to guide you through the cooking process. Say goodbye to half-used spice jars turning to dust at the back of your pantry, and say hello to the era of precise and flavorful culinary experiences! ***Links:Homemade smash burger by Kenji Lopez Alt for Serious EatsBacon and kimchi burgers by Wesley Genovart from Food & WineA classic turkey burger recipe; add finely diced peppers, or shredded zucchini, chipotle pepper, sliced  scallions, or herbs to modify it to your liking. Worcesteshire is a great addition too.Sonya’s turkey kotleti (small turkey patties) Mark Bittman’s salmon burger from NYT Cooking made with fresh salmon (unlocked)Ina Garten’s salmon cakes made with leftover salmonHomemade tartar sauce and Kenji’s shake shack sauce from Serious EatsDouble Drive-Thru veggie burgers by Chloe Cascarelli for Food & Wine, with Thousand Island sauce made with tofuPortobello smash burger by Ali Slagle for NYT Cooking (unlocked)Stellar quinoa burger from Cafe Pascual’s in Santa Fe, NM, published by Bon Appetit at the request of a readerHomemade Jojo potatoes from A Mindfull MomNancy Silverton’s deep-dive on burger parties for the LA Times***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!Order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!

Searching for a recipe you can bring to 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 recipes that can serve a crowd, or are great for make-ahead meals. You'll want to make a spinach ruffle milk pie—a savory, veggie-packed twist on spanakopita that’s perfect for meal prep, healthy lunches, or dinner parties—and a nostalgic monster cookie recipe that’s chewy, gluten-free, and ideal for freezing ahead.Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!Links:Hetty Lui McKinnon’s Tenderheart Cookbook, which has her recipe for savory spinach and mint ruffle milk pieHere’s another take on a savory phyllo spinach and feta pie from Super Golden Bakes, and one that looks delicious from Serious EatsSonya’s apple and honey ruffle milk pie with video on how to ruffle your phyllo doughMonster Cookie recipe (double to make 15 lbs of cookie dough just like Kari did!)***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. 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

Ever feel overwhelmed with what to bring to a potluck or summer picnic? Whether you’re heading to a park gathering or a crowded family reunion, choosing the right dish can feel weirdly high-stakes, especially when you want something portable, crowd-pleasing, and easy to make ahead. We’ve got you! We’re sharing all our tips and inspiration to ensure that your dish is the one people can’t stop talking about—the one that’s gone before you can even grab a plate!By the end of this episode, you’ll learn how to make:Two easy sides that you can prepare in individual portionsNo-fuss desserts like a creamy no-bake blueberry cheesecake and a citrusy creamsicle pieHow to make presentation, prep, and adaptability easier so your dish stands out and survives the buffet tableHit play now and walk into your next gathering with a dish that looks great, travels well, and was easy to make!LinksSides: Corniest corn muffins from Smitten KitchenMini pimento cheese ballsSalads:Sonya’s rainbow salad recipe from her SubstackJulia Turshen’s zucchini, red onion and pistachio salad with a preserved lemon vinaigrette Mains:The famous grinder TikTok sandwich with the salad part + how to assemble the sandwiches from the Country Cook, and a fully vegetarian version from I Heart VegetablesSlow cooker beef sliders from The Defined Dish, and a similar take on slow cooker beef with a Mississippi roast by Jenn Crippen for All RecipesCreamy vegetable casserole, aka Midwest vegetable casserole  Foil packs of carnitas from Serious Eats for griddled tacos DessertsA slightly gussied-up version of a no-bake blueberry cheesecake from Natasha’s Kitchen, and an easy classic no-bake blueberry cheesecake made with whipped topping from All Recipes No-bake orange creamsicle pie made with orange marmalade from Every Day Pie, and a no-bake creamsicle pie with shortbread crust made with jello from I Am Baker***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. 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 searching for easy recipes that you can make ahead and might even feed a crowd? 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 farmers market-inspired kale and strawberry salad and our go-to chicken salad recipe; both are ideal for lunch prep, or even a laid-back summer dinner. We're also answering a listener's question, and you'll discover how to take two classic chicken dishes and turn them each into make-ahead-friendly braises that make hosting that much easier.Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!***Links:Sonya’s Strawberry, kale, almond date salad  from our Substack, inspired by Emily Park’s take on the strawberry, sugar snap pea, turnip salad from Hetty Lui McKinnon’s Tenderheart Cookbook Kari’s chicken salad from our SubstackThe Silver Palate’s Chicken Marbella from NYT Cooking (unlocked)Melissa Clark’s sweet and spicy roast chicken from NYT Cooking (unlocked)Sonya’s one-pot chicken, potato, and prune dish A gremolata from The Kitchn to top your chicken with ***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. 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!

Ever wonder what chefs actually eat at home when no one’s watching What if “What I Eat in a Day” was honest, doable, and full of shortcuts you’ll actually use?We’re breaking down what we really eat in a day—from breakfast and lunch to snacks and dinner. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how we feed ourselves throughout the week, including the pro tips, comforting rituals, and tiny habits that make home cooking easier and more joyful.By the end of this episode, you’ll discover:How to create more ease and efficiency in your morning routine with two different approaches to breakfastHigh-protein meals and on-the-go snacks that will get you through the dayTwo honest sheet-pan dinner reviews: the one we’d make again, and the one that we’re on the fence aboutListen now for a behind-the-scenes peek, practical inspiration, and a fresh perspective on your everyday meals!Links:Day #1 -SonyaBreakfast - French press coffee, 2 jammy eggs, 2 corn thins topped with almond butter, sliced almond, goji berry, and walnutLunch - Tuna salad sandwich on local sourdough, potato chips, sliced veggies + picklesDinner - Sheet-pan turmeric chicken and crispy rice, with added mushrooms (made on a Great Jones sheet pan), with salad with tahini yogurt dressing (which works great with plain non-dairy yogurt too) Dessert - A bit of dark chocolate and teaDay #1 - Kari Breakfast -  mango smoothie Lunch - Leftover pasta from the night before: sheet pan eggplant lasagne, which was a combo of eggplant parm recipe and sheet pan lasagne recipe Snack - harvest whole wheat crackers, aka triscuits, and sliced cucumbers with everything bagel seasoning, and a beef stick Dinner - Alison Roman’s perfect buttermilk pancakes Day #2 - SonyaBreakfast - Yogurt bowl with apple, raspberries, walnuts, almonds, goji berries, almond butterLunch -  Rice bowl with leftover sticky rice topped with tuna salad, pickles, lettuce, radish, and carrotSnack - One tahini rye chocolate chunk cookie from Sonya’s friend at Sweet Clover Baking Dinner - Crispy gochujang glazed tofu, steamed sweet potato with ramp butter, broccoli topped with tahini yogurt dressing, sauerkrautDay #2 - KariBreakfast - toast made on Adrienne’s “Communal Table” bread with smashed avocado and everything bagel seasoning from Thrive Market, and a cold sliced pear Lunch - Glow soup with a bag of Fritos Snack - Strawberry rhubarb streusel bar, which Kari made with teff flour and gf flour Dinner - Sheetpan crispy tofu and broccoli inspired by Eric Kim’s Sheet-pan Japchae for 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. You can also now find us on YouTube. 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!

Ever wonder why your scrambled eggs turn out dry or flat, instead of fluffy and light? 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 this chewy, almond-scented amaretti cookie that’s naturally gluten-free and perfect with a cup of coffee or tea for your next afternoon snack. Plus, we break down how to cook soft, creamy scrambled eggs for a crowd—ideal for your next brunch or family breakfast. Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!***Links:Babkush in Portland for babkas, rugelach, amaretti cookies, and moreOttolenghi’s amaretti cookie recipeAli Slagle’s scrambled eggs for a crowd recipe from NYT Cooking (unlocked) Alison Roman’s perfect buttermilk pancakes Pancake batter dispenser ***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. 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!

Discover the magic of one-pot pasta dishes that bring comfort without the cleanup hassle. Learn to reimagine beloved classics like Hamburger Helper and SpaghettiOs with rich flavors. Enjoy a crispy gnocchi salad that perfectly balances heartiness and freshness. Dive into innovative recipes featuring creamy dill tortellini and a no-cook tomato sauce bursting with summer vibes. Plus, try a fun hummus pasta for a creamy twist on your weeknight meals. Cozy, quick, and utterly delicious!

What if you could whip up a spring-inspired dinner with less than five ingredients and in 30 minutes or less? 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 farmers' market-inspired asparagus pasta that’s creamy, healthy, and perfect for an easy weeknight meal. You’ll also learn how to cook up Aryaes (Lebanese stuffed pita)that’s made with ground beef, a few simple spices, and is ideal for a quick lunch or dinner.Tune in now for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!***LinksPenne with asparagus and lemon sauce by Faith Heller Willinger, from The 150 Best American Recipes cookbookA simple version of Arayes from All Recipes, or Arayes packed with more herbs from Little Spice Jar, and matzah arayes from Sivan’s KitchenGreen garlic salsa verde from Wishbone Kitchen Nicole Rucker’s updated pie dough recipe and her white chocolate banana cream pie recipe can be found in her new cookbook: Fat + Flour: The Art of a Simple Bake***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. 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!

Tired of the same old lunch routine or searching for the perfect crowd-pleasing dish to bring to your next potluck? This week we’re sharing deli-style salad recipes that are anything but boring — think crisp, creamy, tangy, and deeply satisfying dishes that get even better with time. These recipes aren’t just tasty; they’re make-ahead winners designed to simplify your week or help you shine at your next potluck.By the end of this episode, you’ll learn how to:Shake up your bean game with a fresh, crunchy chickpea salad with an unexpected spice blendBuild a hearty Greek salad-meets-fattoush salad, elegant enough to serve at a dinner party or bring to a casual potluckWhip up dishes that travel well, like a zippy roasted potato salad with avocado-lime dressingPress play now to start cooking up cool, crunchy, and crowd-pleasing deli salads that deliver on both convenience and taste! ***LinksSonya’s herby potato salad from our Sunday Salad Substack! (the dressing for this recipe is the same one she uses for her coleslaw)Ina Garten’s coleslaw salad  (similar to what we discussed, but swap some of the mayo with yogurt!) Jalapeno, lime, coleslaw by Joshua Bousel from Serious EatsWhole Foods copycat cabbage crunch saladCarmen Wilken's deviled egg macaroni salad (and her TikTok of the recipe)Alison Roman’s pasta with peas and parmesan saladEverything bagel chickpea + white bean salad by Sarah Bond from Live, Eat, LearnErewhon white bean kale salad by Kale JunkieHetty Lui McKinnon’s roasted potato salad with jalapeno avocado dressing for NYT Cooking (unlocked) Lidey Heuk’s Taverna salad for NYT Cooking (unlocked)Moroccan carrot salad by Suzy Karadsheh Check out our previous “deli salad” episode from season one!***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. 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 your next favorite dinner took just 15 minutes—and started with a humble can 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 creamy, vegetarian butter bean recipe that you can whip in 15 minutes, but feels luxurious enough to bring to a dinner party. And you’ll discover a classic French bistro dish that will transport you to Paris with its topping of warm goat cheese – it makes for an effortlessly elegant starter or even an enticing Tuesday night dinner!Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration! ***Links:Salade de Chèvre Chaud (Warm French goat’s cheese salad) by Recipe Tin Eats Ina Garten’s take on salad with warm goat cheeseJustine Doiron’s spicy tomato beans with hot honey***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. 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!