Have you ever struggled to get dinner on the table after a busy day? What if you could easily whip together a one-pot meal that’s dinner-party-worthy in your slow cooker? 

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 weeknight chicken stew that effortlessly braises in your slow cooker (or stove top!) and gets a fresh boost from pantry staples right before serving. You’ll also discover a classic cornbread recipe with irresistibly crispy edges (that’s naturally gluten-free) and comes together in minutes. 

Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration! 

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Links

Slow cooker spinach-artichoke chicken stew by Sarah DiGregorio from NYT Cooking (unlocked)

Stormie Monday’s Soul Food Grill in Fort Worth, Texas

Southern cornbread recipe similar to Kari’s great-grandmother’s – just makes a larger batch, and be sure to use yellow cornmeal, a preheated cast iron skillet, and generous pats of butter for serving. 

Adrian Hale’s recipe for: “Communal Table Bread - My easiest first bread recipe”

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Have you ever found yourself with an undercooked, sad, flimsy potato? What if a few simple techniques could ensure golden, crisp potatoes that melt in your mouth -- every time?

From the zesty, bright flavors of Greek potatoes to the gooey, cheesy goodness of tater tot casserole, this episode will teach you simple, foolproof methods to turn your potatoes into show-stopping dishes.

By the end of this episode, you’ll:

1. Learn the key to baking potatoes that are crispy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside—say goodbye to undercooked spuds!
2. Get the inside scoop on making twice-baked potatoes, a classic Midwestern make-ahead comfort dish 
3. Discover the crispy-edged, creamy-centered potato kugel of your dreams with one game-changing step

Hit play now to cook spuds like a pro and heat up your potato game!

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Links: 

For the best baked potato, make it the British (jacket potato) way by Coco Morante  (i.e. don’t wrap it in foil!)

Greek lemon potatoes from Recipe Tin Eats

Classic tried and true tater tot casserole from Mom on Time Out , and Molly Yeh’s tater tot hot dish (casserole) with homemade gravy

Adeena Sussman’s extra crispy potato kugel, and a great cast iron potato kugel from Smitten Kitchen

Twice-baked potatoes with lots of butter from The Pioneer Woman, and one that’s a little less rich from All Recipes

Sonya’s Soviet-style fried potatoes (and hot dogs)

Our mushroom soup recipe from Substack

Thin and crispy oven-baked potato chips from Feel Good Foodie, or a slightly thicker and more tender version from Elephantastic Vegan

Alison Roman’s brown butter potato salad

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Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084

For 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 [email protected]!

Whether you’re having a busy week, or fully moving house, how do you get dinner on the table when you need it the most? 

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 the tips to make a hard week easier, whether that’s with help from the pantry, or help from a friend. You’ll also learn about a craveable vegetarian pasta dish made with heaps of meltingly tender cabbage. 

Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration! 

***

Links

Lombardi’s Pizza on Goldbelly

Browned butter bucatini with charred cabbage by Ham El-Waylly via NYT Cooking (unlocked) 

Another favorite from Ham El-Waylly: Cauliflower Salad Sandwiches from NYT Cooking (unlocked)

***

Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084

For 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 [email protected]!

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:

1. A stunning blood orange cake that happens to be gluten-free, and is vibrant and creamy
2. An easy peach jam made with frozen fruit that can be transformed into a simple cookie that you’ll want to gift to someone you love
3. An 8-minute caramelized pear that is surprisingly decadent, especially when topped on a scoop of ice cream

Tune in now and bring bright, flavorful treats to your table any time of year!

***

Links: 

Blood orange almond ricotta cake by Liz Pruitt

Easy 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 Epicurious

Alice 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 peaches

Use 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 Food

8-minute caramelized cinnamon spiced pears from Minimalist Baker

Freeze-dried berry no-bake cheesecake from Serious Eats

Famous mango pie from Home Cooking with Samin Nostrat and Hrishi Hirway

***

Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084

For 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 [email protected]!

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 Baguette

Coconut Miso Salmon Curry by Kay Chun, from NYT Cooking (unlocked) 

***

Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084

For 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 [email protected]!

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:

1. Learn the secret to making the creamiest, dreamiest risotto - without all the stirring! 
2. Turn a humble ingredient into a rich, nutty dressing that makes a salad feel indulgent
3. Discover both savory and sweet dishes that have a big wow factor with 5-ingredients or less

Treat yourself to the kind of rich dishes that fill your kitchen with delicious aromas and big flavors—press play now!

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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 Kitchen

Sheet pan roasted sausage and grapes by Sheela Prakash for The Kitchn

And 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 Dish

Carbonara in a jar from Grubstreet

Cheese fondue night from The Kitchn 

5-ingredient chocolate mousse from Nagi Maehashi (with video too!)

Silken tofu chocolate mousse from As Easy As Apple Pie

Skillet chocolate chip cookie by David Turner from King Arthur Baking 

***

Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084

For 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 [email protected]!

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 video

Carla Lalli Music’s steamed sweet potatoes with tahini butter

***

Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084

For 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 [email protected]!

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:

1. Learn how to braise like a pro with equipment you already have in your kitchen (no Dutch oven required!)
2. Explore classic recipes like comforting smothered pork chops and a rich coq au vin
3. Discover time-saving tricks that will make a braised-dish your next go-to for hosting

Tune 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 Kitchn

George 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 Delicious

Eric Kim’s garlic-braised chicken recipe from NYT Cooking (unlocked) 

Amateur Gourmet’s braised chicken recipe and video

Samin Nostrat’s soy-braised short rib recipe

Ginger 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: 323-452-9084

For 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 [email protected]!

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: 323-452-9084

For 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 [email protected]!

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:

1. 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 meal
2. Learn practical tips for meal delivery
3. Get inspired with impactful ways to make a difference even when you can't cook

Tune in now to uncover how cooking homemade meals can make a meaningful difference, one thoughtful dish at a time!

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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 Bread

Zoe Francois’ breakfast cookies from her cookbook Zoe Bakes Cookies

Sonya’s stuffed cabbage and her golden chicken soup with matzo balls

Farro and cauliflower parmesan by Sarah Di Gregorio for NYT Cooking, and Smitten Kitchen’s crusty baked farro and cauliflower

Lemony 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: 323-452-9084

For 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 [email protected]!