Episode 107: How homemade snacks can make hosting easy and welcoming, with Carolina Gelen!

Do you feel nervous about hosting, and wish you could create a warm and generous vibe for guests with a few simple homemade 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 lots of time to spend in the kitchen. This week you’ll… 1. Learn simple yet impressive recipes like “Butter Pecan Twists” made with pantry staples like brown sugar, butter, and frozen puff pastry. 2. Discover how to create a warm and inviting atmosphere by pulling fluffy homemade focaccia out of the oven just as the doorbell rings. 3. 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 to from this week’s show: 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 Doritos Carolina’s cookbook pick: Shelf Love by the Ottolenghi test kitchen *** We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com! Or give us a CALL on our kitchen phone! 323-452-9084 Sign up for Sonya’s free Substack , or order her debut cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!