Food Friends: Home Cooking Made Easy

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!

What do private chefs actually cook for families during the week… and what can home cooks learn from it?In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on real client menus — from busy families with teenagers to households balancing different dietary needs. These are the kinds of meals designed to work in real life: flexible, flavorful, make-ahead friendly, and built to stretch into multiple lunches and dinners throughout the week.But this episode isn’t just about cooking for clients. We’re sharing the strategies we rely on in our own kitchens, too: prepping components, building meals around adaptable proteins and sauces, and making food that can evolve throughout the week instead of feeling repetitive by day two.By the end of this episode, you’ll discover:How to build “mix-and-match” weekly meal plans that don’t feel boringStrategies for prepping proteins, sauces, and vegetables once and using them throughout the weekFour unique menus that feature some of our go-to meals like customizable taco nights, a make-ahead panini, and our favorite mac n’ cheese (that has a secret serving of veggies)Tune in now to cook like a private chef in your kitchen!***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 -- Menu #1For: 2 meat eaters /2 vegetarians/ 1 meal fresh + other meals prepped in advanceDinner for that night (plus extra):Taco bowls with ground beef, crispy tofu (add your favorite seasonings), cabbage slaw with jalapeno, cilantro, and lime dressing, spicy crema, avocado, and salsa verde + tortilla chipsAdditional meals for mix and match throughout the week:Creamy Lentil tomato soup by Carolina Gelen for NYT CookingRoasted shawarma chicken thighs, also added onion wedges and placed on a sheet panTurmeric black pepper tofu (I use potato starch or cornstarch instead of arrowroot powder)Roasted cauliflower and red onion, spiced with turmeric, cumin and corainder, with currantsHerby tuna salad (recipe can be found in Braids)Mixed lettuces and cucumberGreen goddess dressing (I use yogurt or sour cream in lieu of half of the mayo – you can skip anchovies for vegetarians)KARI - Menu #12 parents/2 teenage boys on Wednesdays Fish tacos with peach + mint + chive salsa by Martha Tinkler for Food Network Kitchen, plus tip for grilling fish: coat it in a thin layer of mayonnaise before putting on a very hot grill and don’t move it until it looks almost cooked through! It won’t taste like mayo and it won’t stick.Spicy skirt steak tacos with red cabbage - similar to Kari’s approachRoasted cornGrilled zucchiniKari’s Granola recipe is published in Sonya’s cookbook, BraidsChicken cheddar sandwich paninis for the fridge similar to what Kari makesSONYA - Menu #2Family of 2, 1 low carb, 1 teenagerMonday:Burger night – cooked in a cast iron pan, one served on a bun (for the teen), the other wrapped with iceberg (for the adult), topped with tomato, onion, avocado, cheese, and bacon. Served with roasted potato wedges (for the teen) and parsnip fries (adult), and a simple saladTuesday:Turkey Kheema (similar to this, but with turkey instead of chicken and no peppers), cauliflower and peas (Gobi Matar), with raita, cauliflower rice, and steamed riceWednesday:Sheetpan sausage with peppers and tomatoes with arugula saladThursday:Vietnamese bowls lemongrass marinated grilled pork, served with rice vermicelli noodles, shredded carrot and cucumber, bed of shredded romaine, almond butter dipping sauceKARI - Menu #22 dads/2 little kids on Thursdays Sweet potato mac and cheese similar to Kari’s: use full-fat dairy and can sub canned pumpkin for the sweet potatoChicken cheddar sandwichpaninis for the fridge similar to what Kari makesRoasted delicata squash salad with kaleTuna saladChicken soup - simply made, recipe from our SubstackGranola barsStrawberries, apriumsIna Garten’s honey orange yogurt****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!

Has grilling ever felt too time-consuming, too messy, or impossible without a fancy backyard setup?This week, we’re simplifying grilling to make it feel more approachable, even on a weeknight.By the end of this episode, you’ll:Learn how to get charred, grilled flavor at home, with or without an outdoor grillDiscover easy summer meal ideas, including grilled salads, vegetarian dinners, unique kebabs, and fruity dessertsPick up practical strategies like shortcut marinades, make-ahead components, and smart ways to use peak-season producePress play now for low-effort, high-reward grilling ideas you’ll want to make all summer long!***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:Salads as MealsBig fat Greek salad with souvlaki-ish chicken by Meredith HaydnGrilled caesar salad by Vindulge and Kari’s “secret ingredient” Caesar dressing via our SubstackVegetarianSoba with grilled mushrooms and tofu by Ali Slagle for NYT CookingSpanish-style grilled veggies with breadcrumb picada by Tori Ritchie via Bon Appetit MeatGeorgian Shashlik (kebabs) from Silk Road Recipes Spiedies sandwiches from Binghampton, NY, recipe from Sam Sifton via NYT CookingFishGrilled albacore with citrus marinade from Wild Tide Seafood (shout out to Tim Wastelll and Old Pal restaurant in Portland for the inspiration)Mahi mahi tacos with fruity salsa from Food 52SweetsGrilled peaches with amaretti by Ina Garten via Food Network Grilled lemon pound cake with peaches and cream from Food & WineRice krispies treats toasted on the grill by Lena Abraham via Delish ****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!

What do you bring to a picnic or potluck that’s guaranteed to impress, and won’t wilt, melt, or fall apart before guests arrive?Summer entertaining sounds fun — until you’re staring at a sign-up sheet, wondering what to make besides the same pasta salad.In this episode, we share 10 crowd-friendly recipes that travel well and hold up in warm weather. By the end of this episode, you’ll:Discover quick and easy appetizers, like a Los Angeles-inspired fruit cup, and a summer twist on cheesy artichoke dipLearn how to stabilize deviled eggs, build sandwiches that improve over time, and choose desserts that are easy to transport and serveGet inspired to try two no-bake desserts – a s’mores take on Rice Krispies treats, and a no-bake milk chocolate piePress play now and discover your next potluck dish – it’s the one everyone will be asking you to bring again next year!***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!***Appetizers and Small Bites:Mexican Fruit Cups by Isabel EatsMillion dollar deviled eggs by Sugar Spun Run or Parsi Deviled Eggs from Niloufer Ichaporia King’s cookbook, My Bombay Kitchen, via Sujata MasseySpinach corn dip by Hetty Lui McKinnon for NYT Cooking Salads and Veggies:Vegetarian Dan Dan Noodle Salad by Hetty Lui McKinnon for NYT Cooking Kasha Varnishkes salad by Adeena SussmanSandwiches:Muffaletta Sandwich by Laura FuentesHailey Catalano’s Mean Green Turkey SandwichDesserts S’mores Bars from Sarah Carey via Martha StewartCheesecake bars with all the berries from Smitten Kitchen Strawberry Biscuit Sheet Cake by Sarah Carey via Martha Stewart Carolina Gelen’s Easy No-Bake Chocolate Milk PieMore inspiration from our archives!Potlucks and Picnics! Episode 179What do you eat on a road trip? Episode 195****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!

Ever wonder what private chefs actually cook for themselves when they’re tired, busy, craving comfort food, or stuck in a cooking rut?If your meals have been feeling repetitive lately, this episode offers a look at two real days of home cooking with new ideas to get you through the week. Through practical meal planning, freezer clean-outs, farmers market finds, and smart store-bought shortcuts, we share the kinds of meals we actually make on a regular day—approachable, flexible, and satisfying.By the end of this episode, you’ll:Discover make-ahead breakfast: including a new take on chia pudding, a prep-friendly frittata, and a whole-grain muffin you can bake in minutesLearn simple ways to rely on your freezer to get dinner on the table — all you need is a bag of dumplings and a bunch of greensFind out how lunch can come together in 10 minutes or less and still feel fresh and substantialPress play now for a behind-the-scenes look at what two food-loving home cooks actually eat in a week — and leave with ideas you’ll want to make right away!***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!Our next gathering is May 13th at 4:30 PM PT! See you soon!***Sonya Day #1Breakfast: Blackberry coconut chia pudding topped with fruit and almonds (blackberries and strawberries)Lunch: Jammy eggs, sauerkraut, fruit, veggies, sourdough crackers (Share crackers brand)Dinner: Berbere meatballs from NYT Cooking (unlocked), oven roasted sweet potatoes cubes with lemon rounds and onion wedges, spring salad with radishes and snap peasKari Day #1Breakfast: Breakfast brownies, a recipe I’m testing, but using this chocolate amaretti cookie as a starting point, subbing in oats, banana, dates, wheat bran, etc. Recipe forthcoming!Lunch: Beef kimbap from H Mart, dragon fruit, crunchy ramen chipsDinner: One-pan dumplings with kale by Ali Slagle from NYT CookingSonya Day #2:Breakfast: Millet muffin from Super Natural Every Day alongside a yogurt bowl with ground flax, pepitas, wild blueberries, goji berries, kiwiLunch: Spring chicken salad (with leftover chicken roasted chicken breast, sugar snap peas, scallions, celery stalk + leaves, mayo, whole grain dijon), strawberries, Bittman’s sourdough, simple green salad with lemon and olive oilDinner: Black bean soup + “all the greens salad” with lettuce, sugar snap peas, cucumbers, bok choy, mint, scallion in a sesame soy dressing Kari Day #2:Breakfast: Life-changing egg frittata: I followed ratios with eggs, heavy cream, sharp cheddar, and caramelized onions; added tarragon, oregano, basil, blanched greens and ½ cup of pickled jalapenos.Lunch: Green leaf lettuce with lemony vinaigrette (use both whole grain and dijon mustard, add maple syrup, omit the thyme, use good olive oil) with tons of dill, chunks of avocado, and nasturtium from my gardenDinner: Beef bulgogi (pre-marinated from H Mart), lettuce wraps with kimchi, spinach, and bean sprouts, and the hoisin sauce approved by my friend Malin :)****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!

Once you've loaded up your tote bag with seasonal produce, what do you actually make with it all when you get home?This week, we're cutting through the overwhelm with 8 seasonal recipes worth adding to your spring rotation.By the end of this episode, you'll:Have quick, easy ways to make the most of asparagus season — including a speedy sheet pan meal and a light, herbaceous spring rollKnow exactly what to do with a beautiful bunch of purple spring onions, like baking a buttery, savory tart you can make with store-bought crustDiscover the rhubarb recipe we make every single year, plus a new one we can't wait to tryListen now before your next market trip!***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!***AsparagusGrilled asparagus tofu spring rolls from Bojon GourmetBroiled salmon and asparagus with creme fraiche by Molly Gilbert for Sunset Magazine (and you can even make creme fraiche at home)ArugulaEasiest shaved asparagus and arugula salad from Canal House Favas & PeasSizzling Halloumi with Fava Beans and MintSpring onionsSpring onion and cheddar quiche with balsamic tomatoes from Olive MagazineDavid Leibovitz herbed ricotta tart with spring onions (you can leave out the chorizo and use any 9” tart pan you like)NettlesNettles on pizza or another recipeRhubarbClaire Saffitz’s rhubarb custard cake for Bon Appetit or Roasted rhubarb from Zoe FrancoisCoconut milk custard with strawberry rhubarb compote***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!

What do professional chefs do differently — and how can you use those skills at home?It can feel like a lofty goal, but in this episode, Ham El-Waylly shows us how approachable it really can be. He shares practical, real-life cooking tips and easy, flavor-building techniques that work in any kitchen, no matter how busy or overwhelming daily life feels.By the end of this episode, you’ll learn:How toasting pasta might change the way you think about spaghetti foreverA surprising method for transforming tofu into something everyone at the table will loveThe inexpensive, often-overlooked tools restaurant chefs rely on that can make a big impact in a home kitchenPress play to hear our conversation with the insightful and inspiring Ham El-Waylly, and discover new recipes and techniques you’ll want to try out right away!***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:You can find Ham El Waylly on Instagram, and visit his restaurant Strange Delight in Brooklyn!Check out his new book: Hello Home Cooking! Doable Dishes For Every DaySome of our favorite recipes by Ham, from NYT Cooking (unlocked):Kari’s favorite Cauliflower Salad SandwichesHis very popular Kung Pao TofuCorn and Miso Pasta SaladBrown Butter Bucatini with Charred Cabbage Recipes we can’t wait to make from Hello Home Cooking:Toasted Thin Spaghetti with Black Beans and ParmEggplant and Tofu RaguTahini roasted swordfish Date FudgeFrito Chocolate Ganache TartSome of Ham’s favorite kitchen appliances and tools:Zojurushi Rice cookerFish SpatulaThe Kunz Spoon***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!