Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Radio

Latest Episodes:

Our Haunted Podcast! Witches' Brew, the Candy Store Ghost and the Secret History of Jack-o'-Lanterns Oct 30, 2026

Show notes

We’re serving up an extra frightful hour of Milk Street Radio! Folklorist Lesley Bannatyne reveals the mischievous origins of the jack-o’-lantern, and Oaxacan tour guide Gabriel Sánchez shares memories from Day of the Dead celebrations. Candy historian Susan Benjamin recounts candy’s surprising history in America — and the ghostly encounters in her candy shop — and we uncover a modern recipe for the Witches’ Brew from Macbeth. And, to further satisfy our sweet teeth, Stella Parks hops on the phone with Chris to take on your autumn baking calls. (Originally aired on October 24, 2025.)
For more information the Witches’ Brew recipe from Macbeth, head here.
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The Perfect Cup: Great Homemade Coffee with James Hoffmann Oct 28, 2026

Show notes

Today, we look back at one of our favorite episodes with YouTube coffee expert James Hoffmann. He shares the best, worst and weirdest coffee in the world—from his tried-and-true recipe for the ultimate cup at home to the time he tasted 70-year-old beans in Japan. Plus, Don and Petie Kladstrup tell us the story of the man who taught America to love Champagne; we make Beef Chili Colorado Tacos; and Adam Gopnik discusses the greatest food debates of our time. (Originally aired May 20, 2022.)
Get the recipe for Beef Chili Colorado Tacos here.
Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Killer Kitchen! Cartoonist Roz Chast Fears Her Undersink Cabinet of Doom (and More) Oct 23, 2026

Show notes

New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast often illustrates the absurdities of everyday life. In her new book, The Two Saddest Kitchens, she finds humor in the anxiety of home kitchens—from the forgotten space above the refrigerator to the cast iron pan. Plus, Kristen Miglore tells us whether we should refrigerate our ketchup, mayo and other condiments; and Cindy Ott shares how the pumpkin became an American icon.
Photo credit: Roz Chast
Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

The Dog-Eat-Dog World of Ballpark Vendors Oct 22, 2026

Show notes

For this week's bonus, we're going back into the archives! In this episode from 2022, Nick Fountain from NPR’s “Planet Money” shares the skills and strategy it takes to sell food at the ballpark. Plus, chef Angela Dimayuga gives us a crash course in Filipino flavors and techniques; we learn about the language of eating outdoors with Grant Barrett and Martha Barnette; and we make Swedish Cardamom Buns.
Get the recipe for Swedish Cardamom Buns here.
Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Ask Yotam Ottolenghi Oct 16, 2026

Show notes

Yotam Ottolenghi is back and on the phone lines! He answers your questions and shares some of his best cooking secrets (and personal ones too!) He tells us about the potato chip omelet he makes for his once-picky kids, gives a crash course in leeks, provides his method for whipping up an egg-free mayo, and lets us in on what he really thinks about za'atar. Plus, we chat with Rosie Grant about gravestone recipes; and Tim Glazner tells the strange true story of the man who invented the tiki bar.
Photo credit: Jonathan Lovekin
Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Welcome to The Hong Kong Diner!: Extended Cut Oct 15, 2026

Show notes

In this special episode, we’re sharing an extended cut of our interview with chef Lucas Sin. He praises all that Hong Kong diners have to offer, including the customizable breakfast noodles, the friendly neighborhood environment, and the comforting milk tea that is driving his dream of opening a Hong Kong diner of his own. Plus, he reflects back on his time doing pop-ups in his dorm room at Yale.
Photo credit: Nicholas Wong and Mario Chui
Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Welcome to The Hong Kong Diner! Black Pepper Spaghetti and Deep-Fried French Toast Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

Chef Lucas Sin’s quickest dining experience clocked in at 6 minutes and 40 seconds. This expedient supper took place at a famous cha chaan teng, or Hong Kong diner, and he believes it’s one of the best restaurants in the world. From the extensive menu—french toast, black pepper spaghetti, milk tea, the list goes on—to the more abstract “human emotion flavor” that keeps diners coming back, Lucas explains what makes these neighborhood restaurants so special. Plus, reporter Jessica Sidman investigates the so-called "food truck mafia" around Washington, D.C.'s National Mall; and Ian Buxton gives us a lesson on Scotch whisky.
Photo credit: Nicholas Wong and Mario Chui
Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Pink Margarine?! America’s Greatest Food Fight Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

99% Invisible’s Chris Berube shares margarine’s secret history—from Supreme Court battles to Eleanor Roosevelt’s advertising campaign—and why in some states you could only buy margarine that was dyed pink or black. Plus, we learn about snacks from around the world with Unsnackable’s Folu Akinkuotu; Dan Pashman tells us what there is to love about canned foods; and we make Brazilian-Style Pizza.
Get the recipe for Brazilian-Style Pizza Carbonara here.
Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Steakhouse Secrets: What Nobody Tells You About The Perfect Steak Oct 02, 2026

Show notes

Food writer Tim Hayward shares the juicy history of the steak. We take a peek inside the secret beefsteak societies of England and New York, learn a classic Argentinian salting method, and try a steak from a 25 year-old-cow in Spain. Plus, Kenji López-Alt goes on a quest for the perfect teriyaki; Sara Moulton and Chris take your cooking calls; and we prepare a Sunflower Hummus from Georgia. (Originally aired October 10, 2025.)
Get this week’s recipe for Sunflower Hummus here.
Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Alexis Nikole Nelson Eats the Weeds: Extended Cut Sep 30, 2026

Show notes

In this special episode, we’re releasing an extended cut of our interview with Alexis Nikole Nelson. She tells us about the foraged ingredients you won’t find at your grocery store (like mugwort and magnolia flowers!) and the dishes she creates with them. Plus, Alexis reveals her favorite spot in New York City for foraging maitake mushrooms.
Photo credit: JB Douglas
Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

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