Episodes

  • The New York Times' Most Popular Recipe + Fried Zucchini Blossoms | Our Best Home Cooking Bites of the Week

    The New York Times' Most Popular Recipe + Fried Zucchini Blossoms | Our Best Home Cooking Bites of the Week
    Jul 2 2026

    What makes one recipe become the most popular in the New York Times Cooking’s history?

    In this bite-sized episode, we share the best things we ate this week to inspire each other—and you.

    By the end of this episode, you'll want to make crisp, stuffed zucchini blossoms that are restaurant-quality but come together in under 30 minutes. You'll also discover why the legendary Marian Burros plum torte has become one of the most beloved dessert recipes of all time – it's endlessly adaptable, freezer-friendly, and approachable for even beginner bakers.

    Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!

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    For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our free Substack here. And join us on our live monthly calls by upgrading your subscription to paid!

    ***

    Links:

    Stuffed zucchini blossoms from Carolyn’s Cooking – this recipe calls for parsley and chive, but Sonya likes to add basil to the filling instead.

    Original plum torte by Marian Burros for NYT Cooking, plus suggestions for adapting the recipe. Kari used plums with butter, whole wheat flour and cardamom in addition to cinnamon (¼ tsp each) mixed with turbinado sugar on top, then apricots with non-dairy butter, GF flour with almond meal, and the same cardamom and cinnamon mixed with turbinado sugar on top.

    Other mentions:

    Vegetables Every Day by Jack Bishop

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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.

    Are you a local to Portland or planning a visit? You can now book a private farmers’ market tour with Sonya through Airbnb Experiences! Or order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!
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    14 mins
  • A Food Person’s Summer: Cookbooks, Hosting, and What to Cook Right Now, with Adam Roberts (Re-Release)

    A Food Person’s Summer: Cookbooks, Hosting, and What to Cook Right Now, with Adam Roberts (Re-Release)
    Jun 30 2026
    Ever wonder what food people actually cook when guest come over — and why those recipes always work?This week, we're re-releasing our fan-favorite episode with Adam Roberts — aka The Amateur Gourmet. He takes us inside his kitchen, shares his favorite cookbooks and go-to recipes, and tells us all about his fantastic debut novel, Food Person (now out in paperback!). We talk summer cooking, dinner party philosophy, and why even a slightly undercooked salmon can still lead to a great night.By the end of this episode, you’ll:Get a sneak peek at Food Person, Adam’s twisty, funny debut novel and a page-turning, insider look at food media (think The Devil Wears Prada, but for cookbook publishing).Discover the dessert that never fails a dinner party.Find out the #1 mistake home cooks make when hosting, and the mindset shift that turns chaos into calm.Press play for Adam’s best dinner party advice, his all-time favorite cookbooks, and the recipes he relies on most to make hosting feel like a breeze.***Links:Food Person, Adam’s debut novel is out now!Subscribe to Adam’s Amateur Gourmet Newsletter on SubstackFollow Adam on InstagramAdam’s cookbook recs from today’s episode: The Barefoot Contessa books (especially for beginners)Or level up your home cooking with Mozza at Home, by Nancy Silverton and Carolyn CarrenoFor the best homemade ice cream recipes and techniques, check out David Leibovitz’s The Perfect ScoopAnything by Melissa Clark is dependably excellentSome of the cookbook’s highlighted in Food Person: The Zuni Cafe Cookbook, The Chez Panisse Cookbook, and The Auberge of the Flowering HearthThe food writing Adam most admires: Calvin Trillin Amanda Hesser’s Cooking for Mr.LatteNora Ephron’s HeartburnWho Adam channels in his kitchen: Lidia Bastianich, and one of her recipes is his go-to pasta dish for dinner parties.He might follow that with warm freshly baked chocolate chip cookies***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!
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    34 mins
  • A 30-Minute Korean Short Rib Dinner + A Citrusy Summer Salad | Our Best Home Cooking Bites of the Week

    A 30-Minute Korean Short Rib Dinner + A Citrusy Summer Salad | Our Best Home Cooking Bites of the Week
    Jun 25 2026

    What if you could make a short rib dinner that tastes better than takeout, in less than 20 minutes?

    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 to make Korean Galbi using beef short ribs – with a little planning, you can have dinner on the table in minutes.

    You’ll also discover a healthy summer chopped salad with an unexpected flavor combination of sweet summer peppers, juicy mango, and tangy kumquats.

    Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!

    ***

    For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our free Substack here. And join us on our live monthly calls by upgrading your subscription to paid!

    ***

    Links:

    Sonya made a version of Galbi similar to this one from Onolicious. To learn more about Galbi (also known as Korean short ribs, or “LA Galbi”) check out this post by Maangchi

    Summer kumquat and mango salad by Melissa Mayo

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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.

    Are you a local to Portland or planning a visit? You can now book a private farmers’ market tour with Sonya through Airbnb Experiences! Or order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!
    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
  • What to Cook this Summer: Four Seasonal Menus for Hosting

    What to Cook this Summer: Four Seasonal Menus for Hosting
    Jun 23 2026
    Are you stumped on what to serve for your next summer dinner party, backyard BBQ, or weeknight hang?This week, we’re taking the guesswork out of what to cook with four complete menus full of make-ahead appetizers, low-effort mains, and no-bake desserts that highlight peak summer produce. These are meals designed to minimize your time in the kitchen so you can maximize relaxing with friends and family.By the end of this episode, you'll discover:Four complete summer menus, including a farmers’ market feast and an homage to classic AmericanaMake-ahead friendly dishes— like a lime cilantro corn salad and smashed potato salad —that free you up to enjoy your guestsFruit-forward summer desserts, including a no-bake mango pie, and two simple snacking cakes that rely on peak stone fruitListen now to discover your next favorite easy summer menu so you can enjoy the party right alongside your guests!***For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our free Substack here. And join us on our live monthly calls by upgrading your subscription to paid!***Links:Sonya’s Farmers Market-Inspired Menu:Fried green tomatoes by Grand Baby CakesFried zucchini blossoms by Nicole Rufus for The KitchnCorn salad with tomatoes, avocado and lime cilantro dressing by Melissa Clark from The Splendid TableApricot kuchen with labneh whipped cream by Adeena Sussman from Food & WineKari’s Midsummer Dinner Party Menu:Open-faced tomato sandwiches with creamy cucumber spread by Southern Living Test Kitchen Grilled salmon with citrus salsa verde by Giada de Laurentis for Food Network Frizzled-onion cabbage salad by Shilpa Uskokovic for Bon AppetitPeach ricotta cake (but with nectarines!) by Yossy Arefi for NYT Cooking Sonya’s Southeast Asian Menu:Viet-Thai melon salad by Andrew NguyenGrilled "PokPok" Thai wings from Natalie ParamoreThai-glazed corn by Kay Chun for Food & Wine"Mango Royale" No bake Icebox Mango Cake from Hot Thai KitchenKari’s Americana Menu:Raw Vegetable Pizza by Trent Pfeifer for Store Bought is FineGrilled okra rafts with cajun remoulade by Steven Raichlen for NYT CookingRoot beer BBQ sauce for basting grilled chicken cuts of your choiceSmashed potato salad from Two Peas and their PodIce cream cookie sandwiches or brownie ice cream sandwiches from Sally’s Baking Addiction Sweet salty frozen grapes by Zainab Issa for NYT Cooking For more inspiration from our archives:Here's last year's summer hosting episode with four additional menusOur No-bake desserts for when it’s too hot to turn on your ovenPlus, how to host a burger night at home that’s better than takeout!****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.Are you a local to Portland or planning a visit? You can now book a private farmers’ market tour with Sonya through Airbnb Experiences! Or order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • Two Meatless Meal-Prep Friendly Meals! Our Best Home Cooking Bites of the Week

    Two Meatless Meal-Prep Friendly Meals! Our Best Home Cooking Bites of the Week
    Jun 18 2026

    What if a pot of beans, or a packet of ramen noodles, could turn into an easy make-ahead 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 want to make vegetarian bean tostadas with make-ahead friendly elements, and that are easy to assemble fresh on a busy weeknight. You’ll also want to try a Dan Dan noodle salad with a tahini-chili crisp dressing that’s perfect for meal prep lunches, and endlessly adaptable with seasonal vegetables.

    Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!

    ***

    For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our free Substack here. And join us on our live monthly calls by upgrading your subscription to paid!

    ***

    Links:

    Vegetarian Mexican tostadas from Muy Bueno Cooking

    Sonya used rojo chiquito beans which are also similar to the Domingo Rojo beans from Rancho Gordo

    Our favorite coleslaw recipe from our Substack

    Vegetarian Dan Dan Noodle Salad by Hetty Lui McKinnon for NYT Cooking

    Fly By Jing original chili crisp and the extra crunchy version

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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.

    Are you a local to Portland or planning a visit? You can now book a private farmers’ market tour with Sonya through Airbnb Experiences! Or order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • Summer Farmers’ Market Must-Haves! 10 Recipes for Seasonal Home Cooking

    Summer Farmers’ Market Must-Haves! 10 Recipes for Seasonal Home Cooking
    Jun 16 2026
    Have you ever come home from the summer farmers' market with bags full of beautiful produce and no idea what to make first?Summer farmers’ markets are overflowing with abundant produce, but that can feel overwhelming. If you've ever wanted simple, seasonal recipes that let peak-season produce shine without spending hours in the kitchen, this episode is packed with ideas for warm-weather hosting and quick weeknight meals that you’ll rely on all season. By the end of this episode, you’ll:Learn new ways to make the most of ripe summer tomatoesDiscover a dramatic and easy way to make a delicious cherry dessertFind out how to take crisp cucumbers and combine them with a package of frozen dumplings for a 30-minute meal. Press play and make the most of every farmers’ market trip this season!***For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our free Substack here. And join us on our live monthly calls by upgrading your subscription to paid!***Links:Tomatoes Southeast Asian Tomato Salad by Melissa Clark from The Splendid TableHeirloom tomato cracker salad by Karen Schroeder-Rankin for Southern LivingCornDeborah Madison's coconut corn from Vegetable Literacy, a favorite cookbook of Kari and SonyaGrilled corn with flavored butters by Amanda Neal for Food Network KitchenFresh beansSlow-roasted Romano beans from the AOC Cookbook, by Suzanne GoinGreen bean salad with greens, almonds, and dried cherries by Pamela Saltzman CucumberDumpling and smashed cucumber salad by Hetty Lui McKinnon from NYT CookingOkra Crispy Okra with Spicy Honey Sauce by Kwame Onwauach and adapted by Millie Peartree for NYT CookingCherriesCherries Jubilee by Daniel Gritzer from Serious EatsWild rice salad with pickled cherries by Lisa Lotts Bonus cherry recipes:Alice Water’s sour cherry clafoutis recipe, which recommends keeping the pits in the cherry for an almond flavorSonya’s pickled cherry (and watermelon recipes)More inspiration from previous episodes: Our 2025 Summer Farmers’ Market Episode includes crispy corn cakes and two gazpacho recipesOur 2024 Summer Farmers’ Market Episode Episode includes Sonya’s one-bowl sour cherry cake and cauliflower salad sandwiches. Also check out our “Corn, beans, and squash” episode for more summer produce ideas!****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.Are you a local to Portland or planning a visit? You can now book a private farmers’ market tour with Sonya through Airbnb Experiences! Or order Sonya's cookbook, Braids for more Food Friends recipes!
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • What’s Your Ideal Brownie? + A Classic French Dish & A NYC Food Tour | Our Best Bites of the Week

    What’s Your Ideal Brownie? + A Classic French Dish & A NYC Food Tour | Our Best Bites of the Week
    Jun 11 2026

    How do you get a perfectly fudgy brownie with a glossy top without using a box mix?

    In this bite-sized episode, we share the best things we ate this week to inspire each other — and you!

    By the end of this episode, you’ll want to bake a batch of triple-chocolate brownies that are beginner-friendly, deeply fudgy, and achieve that coveted glossy crust. You’ll also discover a simple sole meunière recipe that’s buttery, lemony, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

    Tune in for a quick dose of home cooking inspiration!

    ***

    For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our free Substack here. And join us on our live monthly calls by upgrading your subscription to paid!

    ***

    Links:

    Seriously fudgy brownies from Sally’s Baking Addiction, Sonya also talked about the recipe in Sally McKenna’s book: Sally’s Baking 101 (which is different from the online version)

    More brownies we love:

    Alice Medrich’s best cocoa brownies

    Sonya’s flourless chocolate tahini brownies

    Fudgy brownies from Inspired Taste blog

    Glossy fudge brownies from Bravetart

    Sole Meuniere by Martha Stewart

    Secret Food Tours: NYC – Chinatown & Little Italy

    Kari’s best bite: pineapple pork bun at Mei Lai Wah Bakery

    And the Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, whose logo was designed by the children at a local public school

    Join Sonya on a Portland farmers’ market tour through Airbnb Experiences!

    ***

    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.
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    18 mins
  • Summer Berries! Cakes, Cobblers, No-Bake Treats & More

    Summer Berries! Cakes, Cobblers, No-Bake Treats & More
    Jun 9 2026
    Have a fridge full of summer berries and no idea what to make before they're past their prime?If you're standing in front of gorgeous summer berries at the farmers market but feel stuck making the same old recipes, this week we're sharing our favorite ways to make the most of berry season.By the end of this episode, you’ll discover:Easy berry desserts that require minimal effort, including kid-friendly frozen yogurt pops and a British classic: Eton messBaking recipes that let peak-season berries shine, from snacking cakes to rustic cobblersNo-bake berry desserts for hot summer days, including one of our favorite recipes from Ina GartenPress play now and walk away with a full season’s worth of berry dessert recipes that will help you turn every pint of fresh summer berries into something memorable.***This episode is brought to you by: Little Sesame HummusWe’ve both been longtime store-bought hummus skeptics… until Little Sesame. Their hummus is unbelievably smooth, bright, and it was created by passionate chefs, they use regeneratively farmed chickpeas, and it's clean label certified.And now, Little Sesame has launched snacking options available at Targets nationwide. The lineup includes: a hummus snacker with pretzel pita chips, protein hummus with 10g of protein per pack, and hummus for kids — a grab-and-go pack perfect for lunch boxes and long car rides.Find Little Sesame at Targets nationwide or visit eatlittlesesame.com to find a store near you. Use code SNACKING10 for 10% off!***Links: Strawberry Brown Sugar Sour Cream Eton Mess by Sonya Raspberry Spuma by David Tanis for NYT CookingBlueberry galette from Sonya’s Substack, Dream Kitchens Strawberry hand pies by Zoe BakesHuckleberry cake by James BeardFrozen yogurt and fruit pops by Riley Wofford for Martha StewartSmitten Kitchen Flag CakeStrawberry sheet cake with passionfruit buttercream by Zoe BakesBlackberry cobbler by Stella Parks for Serious Eats Frozen berries with hot white chocolate by Ina Garten For more berry inspiration, check out our previous episodes:Strawberries with Melissa Clark’s double strawberry shortcakes and a giant strawberry tart made with store-bought puff pastry No-Bake Desserts with Sonya’s recipes for strawberry tiramisu and raspberry mocha icebox cake “Year-Around Fruit Desserts includes an easy raspberry fool and a no-bake cheesecake ****For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our free Substack here. And join us on our live monthly calls by upgrading your subscription to paid!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.Are you a local to Portland or planning a visit? You can now book a private farmers’ market tour with Sonya through Airbnb Experiences! Or order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins