Do you feel nervous about hosting, and wish you could create a warm and generous vibe for guests with a few simple starters and snacks? If you’re looking for unfussy recipes that make entertaining easy, tune into our episode with Carolina Gelen. Her simple-to-follow recipes communicate love and care, even when you don’t have a lots of time to spend in the kitchen, allowing you to enjoy more quality time with your guests!This week you’ll…Learn simple yet impressive recipes like “Butter Pecan Twists” that come together quickly with pantry staples like brown sugar, butter, and frozen puff pastry. Discover how to create a warm and inviting atmosphere by pulling a fluffy homemade focaccia out of the oven just as the doorbell rings. Get inspired by what Carolina learned from her childhood about being resourceful in the kitchen, and how that translates into accessible and impressive potluck dishes like her cabbage roll cake or one-pot baked risotto. Tune in now for home cooking tips, recipes, and heart-warming stories with Carolina Gelen! ***Links: Get your copy of Pass the Plate, Carolina Gelen’s debut cookbook with recipes like butter pecan twist, stuffed dates, cabbage roll cake, and more!Carolina’s Instagram, TikTok, and Substack!Carolina’s recipes for phyllo wrapped fish sticks, her pickle latkes, her viral roasted cherry tomato soup and loaded smashed potatoes, Hot mustard DoritosOttolenghi test kitchen cookbook: Shelf Love***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 [email protected]!Book a farmers’ market tour with Sonya in Portland!

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.