We are thrilled to chat with FOOD FRIEND, Grace Chon!

Grace is not only a passionate gardener, but she’s also an acclaimed photographer, best-selling author, creativity coach, and host of Creativity School — a podcast dedicated to finding and expressing creativity (we are both big fans!).

There’s nothing better than cooking with food you’ve grown yourself, and Grace inspires us to plant and grow more in our home gardens this year. Grace shares what she’s learned from her 10+ year gardening journey, which began with growing heirloom tomatoes in pots in her parking space… proof that anyone can start a garden that yields food if they want to. She shares tips about gardening, as well as recipes on how to cook with all that bounty, and tells us all about the essential Korean herb that grows easily and is really versatile in the kitchen.

With the arrival of Spring, this conversation comes just in time to inspire you to grow something…anything!…in your garden, on your patio, or even in a pot next to your parking space.

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Links to recipes and favorites from this week’s show:

Follow Grace’s gardening adventures on @tinyfoodgarden!

Check out Grace's Website, her podcast Creativity School, and follow her on IG @thegracechon

Korean Perilla leaves: what are they and how to buy? From Sue Pressey of My Korean Kitchen

10 ways to enjoy Perilla from JinJoo Lee of Kimchimari

How to make tomato confit, from Sonya’s TikTok

Immersion blender options for creating Grace’s favorite tomato sauce texture

Heirloom tomatoes from Logan’s Garden if you’re near Los Angeles, or find out more about/order Goose Creek Heirloom Tomato seeds

All three of us love Belle’s Bagels

We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at foodfriendspod@gmail.com!