Episode 44: What’s it really like to write a cookbook? Turning home cooking wins into delicious recipes on the page

Have you ever wondered what it takes to write a cookbook? 

Sonya is publishing her first cookbook, “Braids – Recipes from my Pacific Northwest Jewish Kitchen,” and she and Kari are talking all about the ins and outs of writing and producing a cookbook. The title, Braids, is a nod to the strands of dough that are woven to create challah bread, but it also harkens to the stories, people, and places that have shaped Sonya’s culinary life, from working as a personal chef in Hollywood to opening up her beloved Portland restaurant, to her friendship with Kari. 

After all, friendship can be critically intertwined in our creative projects. This week, we go deep and personal, sharing memories of times we came to each other’s aid, and times when we wish we could have been together as we reflect on the process of putting something out in the world. 

No episode is complete without some recipe talk, and so we’re also discussing how to make challah. If you’ve been intimidated to bake bread at home, this episode will help you take the plunge into home baking!

A cookbook can represent many ideas: family, lineage, geography, and a moment in time… Tune in to hear about how a cookbook comes to life!

***

Links to from this week’s show:

Find out more about Sonya’s book and order Braids here.

Our Classic Latkes & Country Ham episode!

Smitten Kitchen’s confetti cookies (rainbow sprinkle cookies)

***

We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at [email protected]!