In this episode of Your Friend in Food, I’m joined by Sarah Bond, creator of Live Eat Learn, nutrition scientist, cookbook author, and the mind behind some of the most dependable plant-forward recipes on the internet.

We talk about everything from her first chocolate-chip-cookie triumph to the unexpected life lessons learned from an exploding eggplant. Sarah shares stories from her years living in the Netherlands, the comfort foods that kept her grounded, how seasonality shaped her palate, and why ranch dressing became a lifeline abroad.

She also breaks down how Marry Me Chickpeas went wildly viral, how travel fuels her creative well, why mushrooms deserve way more love, and what it really took to design her spiral-bound cookbook of reader favorites.

If you love food memories, practical creativity, or recipes that make vegetables shine, this conversation will make you smile.

In this episode:
Falafel Sheet Pan Recipe → https://www.liveeatlearn.com/sheet-pan-freezer-falafel/
Sarah’s Cookbook → https://shop.liveeatlearn.com/products/eat-100-easy-vegetarian-recipes-you-ll-make-again-and-again
Live Eat Learn → https://www.liveeatlearn.com/

When Nashville native Marsha McDougal started Maple Jubilee, she wasn’t just sharing recipes — she was redefining what comfort food could mean.

In this episode of Your Friend in Food, Sandie Markle sits down with Marsha to talk about growing up in a southern kitchen, the health journey that reshaped her cooking, and how she’s building a bridge between soulful flavor and mindful eating.

We talk about:Food memories that anchor us in family and placeHow a health diagnosis inspired her new approach to soul foodHer time developing recipes at Budget Bytes
The balance between comfort, culture, and care

Recipes in this episode:

• Magic Cookie Bars (Hello Dollies): https://maplejubilee.com/magic-cookie-bars/

• Sausage Balls: https://maplejubilee.com/sausage-balls/

Listen to more episodes of Your Friend in Food wherever you get your podcasts — where every meal tells a story.

From her first taste of mangú and tres golpes to her journey as a content creator, Belqui of Belqui’s Twist shows how food can be both comfort and connection.

In this episode of Your Friend in Food, host Sandie Markle talks with Belqui about growing up Dominican, the role of food in family and culture, and how her recipes reflect both tradition and creativity.

Food, family, and stories — it’s all here.