Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Radio
Milk Street Radio
Every week, Milk Street Radio travels the world to find the most fascinating stories about food—a detective who tracks down food thieves and a look inside the most famous (and often scandalous) restaurant kitchens—and interviews with culinary icons such as José Andrés, Padma Lakshmi, Jacques Pépin, and Marcus Samuelsson. And on Milk Street Radio you can always find the unexpected: the comedian who ranks apples using an elaborate 100-point system, the scientists who study if vegetables have souls, and the journalist who reveals the world’s 10 biggest food lies. We also answer our listeners’ cooking questions, find out how to make the perfect cup of coffee, and share how to eat your way through Italy.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 23, 2025 • 40min
Perfect French Toast with Kenji López-Alt & Deb Perelman
Today, we’re sharing a special episode from our friends at “The Recipe with Kenji and Deb.” Chris joined Kenji López-Alt and Deb Perelman to talk about their ideal recipe for French Toast. They banter about bread for longer than any podcast ever has (not fact checked) – and how each of them perfects this classic breakfast dish.Get the recipe for French Toasted, Perfected here.Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Dec 19, 2025 • 51min
Belgian Waffles, Santa History and Baking Problems Solved!
Regula Ysewijn, a Flemish food writer and festival baking expert, delves into the rich culinary traditions of Belgium, highlighting the fascinating history behind various types of waffles and their cultural significance. Jude Rogers, a Welsh journalist, shares insights on the Mary Lloyd—a unique midwinter tradition involving a horse skull and festive banter for treats, woven into the fabric of Welsh charity and community hope. Together, they explore holiday feasting customs, spiced biscuits, and various nostalgic baking masterpieces.
Dec 17, 2025 • 40min
My Dad, Famous Amos
Dive into the bittersweet tale of Wally Amos, the man behind the famous chocolate chip cookies. While he rose to fame in the 70s, his story reveals the complexities of five marriages and dire business missteps. Explore the contrasts between the public persona and the private father as his daughter seeks to understand his legacy. From early success to financial troubles, this journey uncovers the emotional weight of fame and family, challenging perceptions of achievement and loss.
Dec 12, 2025 • 1h 1min
Holiday Bonanza! Cookie Q&A and A Very Dickens Christmas
Vaughn Vreeland, a supervising video producer for New York Times Cooking and cookie expert, hosts a lively cookie Q&A, revealing tips for achieving the perfect holiday cookies. Historian Penn Vogler dives into Charles Dickens' impact on Christmas traditions, discussing the meanings behind festive dishes like turkey, plum pudding, and even the famed Smoking Bishop from A Christmas Carol. With a nostalgic touch, Vaughn also shares his delightful popcorn cookie recipe, wrapping up a delightful exploration of culinary holiday magic.
Dec 5, 2025 • 51min
Sex, Murder and Chocolate
Aleksandra Crapanzano, a culinary writer and author, delves into the tantalizing history of chocolate, revealing its dark tales of controversy, including church disputes and a poisoned bishop in Mexico. She also shares delicious recipes, like her Red-Wine Chocolate Cake. Joining her is David Katznelson, a record producer, who highlights the communal spirit of traditional drinking songs and shares fascinating stories from field recordings. Together, they blend history, culture, and culinary delights with a sprinkle of mischief.
Dec 2, 2025 • 51min
10 Year Throwback: Mad French Food Scientist Alex Aïnouz Cooks Up YouTube
In a delightful conversation, Alex Aïnouz, aka Alex French Guy Cooking, showcases his food-science experiments and offers tips on achieving the perfect French omelet. He shares insights on modern French cuisine, emphasizing its approachability. Meanwhile, Dan Pashman shares a touching segment about seniors celebrating Shabbat at Wendy's, highlighting the power of food and community rituals. Together, they explore how culinary traditions can adapt while preserving their essence.
Nov 28, 2025 • 51min
Al Roker: Turkey Dreams and 30 Rock Lunches
Al Roker, renowned weatherman and cookbook co-author, shares heartwarming family recipes and charming tales from the NBC commissary. Food writer Ben Mims dives into the fascinating history of cookies, revealing their evolution and cultural significance across the globe. Chef Sarah Moulton offers practical cooking advice, while J.M. Hirsch explains the origins and preparation of Cantonese sweet-and-sour pork. The discussion is peppered with anecdotes, gratitude, and the comforting power of food.
Nov 26, 2025 • 51min
Thanksgiving Throwback (2019): Pumpkin Pie Secrets and Vivian Howard’s Spoon Bread
Join pastry chef Stella Parks as she unveils secrets to the perfect pumpkin pie and shares her unique twist on à la mode. Chef Vivian Howard discusses her North Carolina Thanksgiving with a delicious brined turkey and sweet potato spoon bread. Dr. Aaron Carroll offers essential food safety tips to avoid holiday mishaps, while Catherine Smart introduces a mouthwatering Cranberry and Candied Ginger Buckle. Dive into festive traditions and culinary wisdom shared by notable chefs.
17 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 1h 1min
2025 Thanksgiving Show! Q&A, Uncommon Pies and José Andrés's Turkey Paella
This week, Jet Tila, a Food Network personality and culinary expert, shares his tips on carving turkey while keeping it crispy and shares innovative appetizer ideas like samosas. Jesse Griffiths, a passionate turkey hunter, recounts his unique field experiences and recommends cooking wild turkey. José Andrés adds a twist by suggesting a delicious turkey paella, while other chefs advocate for creative alternatives to traditional turkey. Listeners also share their own quirky Thanksgiving traditions, making this a lively and informative discussion!
Nov 18, 2025 • 51min
Thanksgiving Throwback (2017): From Calcutta to Kenji's Make-Ahead Mashed
Adam Gopnik, a staff writer for The New Yorker, shares his nostalgic memories of his first Thanksgiving in New York, emphasizing a shift towards simpler, flavor-focused cooking. He reflects on the pressures of reinventing holiday meals and how modern habits are changing the traditions. Kenji López-Alt offers tips on make-ahead mashed potatoes, while Sandip Roy hilariously recounts his turkey-hunting escapades in Calcutta. Meanwhile, Dr. Aaron Carroll debunks the myth of turkey-induced sleepiness, making this Thanksgiving a feast of insights and humor.
