From a deep dive into the wacky world of state fairs to a masterclass in deboning a chicken with culinary icon Jacques Pépin, these are the Milk Street Radio episodes you couldn’t get enough of this year.
Ancient Recipes with Sohla El-Waylly: Roman Cheesecake, Medieval Apple Pie and Fish Head Aspic
We travel back in time with chef Sohla El-Waylly, host of “Ancient Recipes with Sohla.” We learn how to make Roman cheesecake, fish head aspic and Mary Todd Lincoln’s white almond cake. Plus, Maggie Hennessy breaks down the hottest trends in restaurant names, from animals to ampersands; Lynn Clark makes Korean spicy chilled noodles; and Grant Barrett and Martha Barnette dig into a slice of language pie.
101 Thai Dishes to Cook Before You Die
Friend of Milk Street Jet Tila tells us about real Thai sriracha, what it takes to make the world’s largest stir-fry and why working at his family’s market sometimes meant visiting the set of “Star Trek.” Plus, we explore the wild world of cooking manga with Deb Aoki; Grant Barrett and Martha Barnette tell us what food you’re obsessed with if you’re a turophile; and we make one of Brazil’s signature meat stews.
The Science of Stir-Fry with J. Kenji López-Alt
J. Kenji López-Alt gives us a lesson on Wok 101 and reveals the science behind great stir-fry. Plus, Cheryl Day joins Christopher Kimball to tackle your baking questions about everything from powdered milk to cardamom buns; cookbook author Chelsea Monroe-Cassel explores the food of “Game of Thrones” and “Star Wars”; and we visit Morocco’s communal bakeries to learn an all-purpose flatbread recipe.
The Perfect Cup: Great Homemade Coffee with James Hoffmann
YouTube coffee expert James Hoffmann 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.
Jacques Pépin: The Art of The Chicken
Jacques Pépin offers a masterclass in deboning chicken and recalls his early days tending the coal stove at the Plaza Athénée. Plus, Aleksandra Crapanzano provides tips for effortlessly Parisian cakes; Alex Aïnouz puts a very French spin on the classic American burger; and we learn how to make Chickpea Flour Flatbread.
Butter Cows, Ugly Cakes and Blue Ribbons: Welcome to the State Fair!
We dive into the world of state, county and agricultural fairs with Marla Calico to learn about their history, impact and why roast beef sundaes are all the rage at fairgrounds across the country. Plus, we head to the Iowa State Fair to meet the woman who carves cows out of butter and the kids striving to create the world’s ugliest cake. We also get a crash course in wine from sommelier André Hueston Mack and we make Eggplant and Tahini Dip.
Kimchi and Rice: A True Story of War and Survival
During the Korean War, Grace M. Cho’s mother was just a kid when she got separated from her family. Eventually, she found her way back home but had to survive on her own off of kimchi and rice for months. In this episode, Cho shares her mother’s story of war, survival and how cooking opened a door between generations. We also learn about ginseng digging in Appalachia; we make Spaghetti with Ricotta, Tomatoes, and Herbs; and Grant Barrett and Martha Barnette share the rules of the dinner table—and the best ways to break them.
The Museum of Food Failures: From Crystal Pepsi and Life Savers Holes to Gerber Adult Singles
Dr. Samuel West returns to teach us about history’s greatest food failures, from Colgate’s frozen meals to the time Gerber made food for grown-ups. Plus, Massimo Montanari helps us uncover the true history of spaghetti; J. Kenji López-Alt tells us how to make the most perfect scrambled eggs; and we bake Chocolate Olive Oil Cake.
Wok Eggs, Fried Rice and Hot Dry Noodles: Chinese Cooking Demystified
Stephanie Li and Chris Thomas travel around China in search of the best recipes and techniques for their YouTube channel Chinese Cooking Demystified. Today we learn the secrets to perfect fried rice, how to cook with chopsticks and why the best KFCs are in China. Plus, Abigail Koffler helps us navigate food in the metaverse; we make Mexican-Style Corn with Chili and Lime; and Adam Gopnik cries tears of joy.
Mofongo, Pinchos and Campbell’s Soup: The True Story of Puerto Rican Food in the Diaspora
Illyanna Maisonet takes us on a culinary journey through Puerto Rico and its diaspora. She reveals the secrets to her guava barbecue sauce, the only flan she’ll ever eat and the best way to cook rice. Plus, Kim Severson tells us about the rise of salvage food stores, we make Aguachile Negro, and Adam Gopnik asks—what do we do when our favorite places close?
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