The Sporkful

Candy enthusiast Patty Woods, founder of CandyYumYum.com, shares her passion for Halloween treats and unique Kit Kat-eating technique that will spark debate! She explains her layer-by-layer method and discusses the most overrated and underrated candies, calling Milky Way overrated but championing Take 5. The conversation also touches on the joys of soda during trick-or-treating and the age-old debate of whether older kids should get candy. Get ready for some sweet takes on this Halloween candy talk!

Dorie Greenspan, an award-winning cookbook author and baking guru, shares her secrets that make her recipes stand out. She reveals her impressive butter stash and discusses the influence of Julia Child on her career. Dorie explains her meticulous recipe testing process and the emotional joy baking brings her. She highlights her transition from hobbyist to professional, the breakthrough of her '15-Minute Magic' cake, and the importance of precise language in recipes. Tune in for insights into her baking philosophy and culinary journey!

Willa Paskin, host of the Slate podcast Decoder Ring, explores the fascinating evolution of hydration from basic necessity to wellness phenomenon. She reveals how Gatorade marketed thirst as dehydration, turning it into a need for athletes. Bottled water brands like Perrier linked luxury to hydration, aided by clever celebrity marketing. The PET bottle revolution made water convenient, leading to mainstream consumption. Paskin also questions the science behind hydration trends and critiques the moral imperative surrounding drinking water.

Join Paul Hollywood, the renowned baker and judge from The Great British Bake Off, as he shares insights from his culinary journey. He opens up about his bakery apprenticeship and how transitioning to TV changed his life. Paul talks about the origin of his famous handshake and the evolution of his judging style. He also reveals the inspiration behind his new cookbook, Celebrate, packed with seasonal recipes. Get ready for some amusing anecdotes about baking mishaps and celebrity encounters!

Nadiya Hussain, the beloved winner of The Great British Bake Off and now a prominent cookbook author and advocate, shares her remarkable journey. She reveals how her upbringing in a British Bangladeshi family shaped her relationship with baking. Nadiya discusses overcoming negative perceptions of cooking and finding joy in it later in life. She highlights the importance of authentic Bangladeshi recipes in her work and her activism against racism and sexism in the food industry. Her mantra 'elbows out' encourages others to assert themselves.

Rosie Grant, an archivist and cemetery enthusiast, found her niche documenting gravestone recipes on TikTok. She's transformed her passion into the cookbook 'To Die For,' sharing intriguing stories behind each recipe. In this chat, she reveals how her journey began with a cookie recipe on a gravestone, the deep connections formed while cooking with families, and why gravestones reflect the living. She even shares plans for her own headstone, featuring a clam linguine recipe! Deliciously macabre!

Drew Magary, a writer and co-host of The Distraction podcast, and David Roth, co-founder of Defector Media, dive into the sticky world of food disputes. They tackle whether it’s acceptable to wipe oily hands on your legs, weighing in on societal norms and personal habits. The duo also explores meal division, discussing if a wife is entitled to half of her husband’s cooking when he usually eats more. Their insights offer humorous and practical solutions, turning culinary conflicts into lighthearted banter.

Join bestselling cookbook author Jake Cohen, known for his approachable recipes, and chef Vivian Howard, the culinary mind behind A Chef's Life and Kitchen Curious. They dive into the chicken tenders renaissance, discuss whether lit candles in restaurants are a fire hazard, and unveil the ingredients of Taylor Swift's new signature cocktail. The conversation also touches on food trends at gas stations and the viral clash between micro-influencers and chefs, making for a deliciously vibrant discussion!

Johanna Mayer, host and reporter for Science Diction, dives into the intriguing origins and evolution of ketchup, tracing it back to East Asian fish sauces. She reveals how early American ketchup transformed into a tomato-based staple thanks to Harvey Wiley's food safety experiments. The conversation also shifts to Rocky Road ice cream, exploring competing origin stories and the linguistic powers behind its appealing name. Discover how sound symbolism enhances the flavors we taste, and why some names stick while others fade away.

Dr. Marcia Chatelain, an Africana Studies professor and Pulitzer Prize winner, shares her insights on the complex relationship between McDonald's and Black America. She recounts how the chain served as a community hub in her Chicago childhood and a pathway for Black entrepreneurship. The discussion delves into McDonald's role in desegregation, its strategic shift to invest in Black neighborhoods, and the challenges faced by Black franchisees, including allegations of redlining and ongoing legal battles. Chatelain's reflections highlight McDonald's dual legacy in promoting both opportunity and inequality.