Food Friends: Home Cooking Made Easy

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 [email protected]!

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:

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 [email protected]!

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