Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Radio

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.

Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

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

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

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

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