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
22 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 50min
Food Trends 2026 with Kim Severson of The New York Times
Kim Severson, a food journalist at The New York Times, shares her bold predictions for 2026, where nostalgia-driven 'grandma core' cooking and vinegar as the standout ingredient take center stage. Ramen expert Sho Spaeth reveals the art of homemade ramen, emphasizing its flexibility and regional varieties. John T. Edge discusses his memoir, southern identity, and the evolving landscape of Southern food, celebrating its rich history while acknowledging new influences. Expect sweet-and-tangy flavors and sensory dining experiences to trend!
10 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 51min
The World’s Most Difficult Fruits
Kate Lebo, a food and culture essayist, takes us on a delicious journey through the world of challenging fruits, like the medlar and huckleberries, discussing their unique traits and the importance of preserving heirloom flavors. J.M. Hirsch shares the rich history of Hungarian chicken paprikash, emphasizing paprika's key role and the mouthwatering accompaniments like dumplings. Together, they explore the beauty in culinary difficulty, both in fruits and beloved dishes, revealing how embracing challenges can enhance our cooking adventures.
15 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 51min
Best of 2025: World's Worst Restaurant Review, Talking Stomachs and Favorite Calls
Join Lydia Bastianich, an acclaimed Italian-American chef and culinary educator, as she answers listener questions and shares her secrets for making St. Joseph's pie. Adam Gopnik, a staff writer at The New Yorker, joins to discuss his top food book picks of the year. They dive into fascinating topics, including the idea of the stomach as a thinking organ and the thriving culinary culture found in Southern gas stations. Listeners can also enjoy memorable cooking success stories from callers and tips from culinary experts.
Dec 23, 2025 • 40min
Perfect French Toast with Kenji López-Alt & Deb Perelman
Joining the fun are Kenji López-Alt, a culinary mastermind known for his innovative cooking techniques, and Deb Perelman, a beloved food blogger and author. They dive into the origins of French toast, revealing it isn't French at all! The trio passionately debates the best bread choices, from baguettes to challah, and shares techniques like Deb's oven-baked cinnamon-sugar method. They explore global variations, savory twists, and even experiment with waffle-iron French toast, ensuring breakfast never gets boring!
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.
