Episode 51: Easy Summer Cooking and Hosting Advice with Chef Kari
23 July 2025

Episode 51: Easy Summer Cooking and Hosting Advice with Chef Kari

Living Well (or Trying To) with Janet

About
I sit down with chef, writer, and podcaster Kari from Food Friends to talk about the art of seasonal home cooking and hosting with ease. Kari shares how she went from cooking Midwest basics to becoming a personal chef in LA for families, producers, and even Barbara Streisand. We get into favorite summer recipes, simple farmer’s market ideas, tips for planning stress-free dinner parties, and building lasting client connections through food. Whether you cook by feel or need a recipe in hand, there’s something here for everyone looking to bring more intention—and flavor—into their home kitchen.

In this episode: Food Friends: Home Cooking Made Easy / @foodfriendspod 

Recipes & Resources:

Strawberry Hibiscus Tea

Amaretti Cookies (gluten-free) 

Zucchini Rice Gratin

How to Shop at the Farmers Market

Summer Hosting Menus

What to Bring to a Summer Picnic or Potluck

Summer Salad Recipes via Food Friends (free!) Substack 



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