The Kitchen Cabinet: Recent Episodes
BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner hosts a culinary panel show packed full of tasty titbits that might change the way we think about food, cooking and eating. An expert panel answers audience questions.
Jay Rayner and the panel are at Chelsea Academy in west London, tackling listeners’ culinary questions and celebrating the rich food heritage of Kensington and Chelsea.
Joining Jay are cooks, chefs and food writers Tim Anderson, Lerato and Andi Oliver, alongside food historian Dr Annie Gray. The panellists share ideas for bridge-night nibbles, creative uses for a glut of plums, and savoury recipes using steel-cut oats.
The programme also welcomes Filipino restaurateur Omar Shah to discuss the food traditions of London’s Filipino community, the role of coconut in Filipino cooking and the significance of Earl's Court to the community.
Producer: Dulcie WhadcockAssistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin’ Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and the panel are in Glasgow, exploring the food traditions of Scotland's largest city while answering listeners' culinary questions.
Joining Jay are chefs, cooks and food writers Sarah Rankin, Rachel McCormack, Paula McIntyre and Jocky Petrie. Together they share inventive recipes for black pudding, celebrate Glasgow's iconic morning roll, and dream up their ultimate gourmet sandwiches.
There are also ideas for breathing new life into the slow cooker and creative uses for foraged sea vegetables.
Along the way, the panellists discuss the art of dressing oysters, before debating the one carbohydrate they could happily eat for the rest of their lives.
Producer: Matt Smith Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin’ Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner is joined in the studio by chefs, cooks and food writers Sophie Wright, Melissa Thompson and Tim Hayward, alongside Dr Zoe Laughlin, for a special postbag edition tackling listeners' culinary conundrums.
The panel debate the merits of different kitchen utensils and materials, discuss food pronunciations that divide opinion, and consider whether separate ovens should be kept for baking and roasting. They also share ideas for affordable seafood dishes, savoury alternatives to birthday cake, and creative ways to use an accidentally purchased bottle of sweet red wine.
Along the way, they explore some bigger questions, including what truly defines a salad and which kitchen tools they simply couldn't live without.
Producer: Dulcie WhadcockAssistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin’ Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and the panel are in Crediton, just outside Exeter, answering listeners’ culinary questions.
Joining Jay are cooks, chefs and food writers Sophie Wright, Angela Gray and Melissa Thompson, alongside food historian Dr Annie Gray.
The panellists discuss creative ways to cook with apple molasses, the best ways to prepare invasive signal crayfish, the secrets behind perfectly bronzed pretzel buns and the most refreshing fruit-based drinks for hot weather.
Hosted at Sandford Orchards, the programme also explores Devon’s rich cider-making heritage with founder and chief cider maker, Barny Butterfield and chef Tom Chivers of Dart Farm. Together they discuss traditional cider apple varieties, the preservation of historic orchards and the culinary possibilities of apple molasses, from savoury glazes and marinades to decadent desserts.
Producer: Matt Smith Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin’ Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and the panel are at the Y Theatre in Leicester discussing offal recipes and Gujarati cooking.
Joining Jay to solve the audience’s kitchen conundrums are chefs, cooks and food writers Rob Owen Brown, Tim Anderson, Sophie Wright, and TKC newbie and Bake Off star, Chetna Makan. The panellists share how to keep their chef whites clean, savoury recipes involving mango and the parts of an animal they’d steer clear of.
Situated just a stone’s throw from Leicester’s 'Golden Mile’, Belgrave Road, the panel is joined by Ashish Gosai from Sharmilee, one of the street's most enduring Gujarati restaurants. They discuss the importance of mango season in India and the remarkable origin story of their Gujarati eatery.
Producer: Dulcie WhadcockAssistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin’ Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and the panel are in Spalding discussing Lithuanian cooking and exciting recipes for potatoes.
Joining Jay to offer their tips, tricks and recipes are chefs, cooks and food writers, Rob Owen brown, Mallika Basu, Sophie Wright and food historian, Dr Annie Gray.
Situated in the herb capital of the UK, the panel discuss interesting recipes with sage, the best way to cook a succulent pork chop, and the question on everyone’s mind - how do we make cabbage edible?
Later on, Jay is joined by local Lithuanian baker, Daiva Razguniene to discuss the flavours, traditions and techniques of making traditional Lithuanian food.
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and the Kitchen Cabinet panel are at Rooms in Worthing, where seaside traditions meet a thriving modern food scene.
Joining Jay to answer listeners’ culinary questions are chefs, cooks and food writers Melissa Thompson, Melek Erdal, Lerato and Dr Zoe Laughlin.
The panellists discuss mackerel, a fish woven into the town’s identity, exploring inventive ways to cook with it, from comforting classics to fresher, lighter dishes.
Later, Jay is joined by local distiller Phil Duckett, who shares insight into Worthing’s flourishing gin scene, bringing a taste of the town’s beachside gin culture to the programme. Inspired by this, the panel suggests ways to cook with gin, from curing fish to creating dressings.
There are also ideas for standout dipping dishes, a lively debate over the correct way to cook roast potatoes, and creative approaches to smoked mackerel beyond the usual pâté.
As ever, expect practical tips, lively debate, and a few memorable tales of kitchen chaos along the way.
Producer: Alison Vernon-SmithAssistant Producer: William Norton
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and the panel are in Newport, Wales offering their best culinary advice. Joining Jay are Angela Gray, Jocky Petrie, Jordan Bourke and food historian Dr Annie Gray.
The panellists share their favourite recipes involving figs and their fuss-free ways to spice up a home-cooked meal, and attempt to cure one audience member of his aversion to fishcakes.
We also hear from local chef Sergio Cinotti of Gem42 and Gemelli restaurants about how Roman flavours have influenced his cooking - be it libum bread or garum sauce.
Producer: Matt SmithJunior Producer: Dulcie WhadcockA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and the panel are in Shepherd's Bush, London answering questions on chilli oil and of course, shepherd's pie. Joining Jay are chefs, cooks and food writers Tim Anderson, Nisha Katona and Jeremy Pang, and materials expert Dr Zoe Laughlin.
The panellists suggest what to cook with six types of aubergine, their methods for making crispy chilli oil at home, and whether purchasing a steam oven is a good idea. They also share their go-to store cupboard recipes and the most fool proof method of constructing the perfect shepherd's pie.
Produced by Dominic TyermanAssistant producer: Rahnee Prescod.
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
To mark World Children’s Day, Jay Rayner and his panel of food experts are at St Paul's Primary School, Whitechapel, answering questions from a room full of inquisitive kids.
Joining Jay for his TKC debut is Young Masterchef judge Big Has, along with materials expert Dr Zoe Laughlin, and chefs Sophie Wright and Tim Anderson.
Jay and the panel answer the most intriguing of questions from their audience of young foodies, including the grossest foods they’ve ever eaten, how to make vegetables taste nice, and the most pressing question of all - which foods make you fart?
Meanwhile, Zoe Laughlin stops the show to make the Gruffalo’s favourite food of all, owl ice cream, using a very special ingredient.
Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Producer: Bethany Hocken Senior Producer: Ollie Wilson
A Somethin’ Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and his panel of food experts are answering questions from an audience of keen home cooks in Harpenden. Joining Jay for the first time is cook, writer and former Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain, alongside chefs Jocky Petrie and Tim Anderson, and food historian, Dr Annie Gray.
The panellists offer their star recipes to win a baking competition, discuss how they’d use up a glut of cooking apples, and decide whether cinnamon should be banned.
And if you’re thinking of throwing away your banana peels, orange skins, or eye-filled potatoes, think again, and find out how to make use of all of these items instead.
Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock
A Somethin’ Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and his rabble of cooks and writers are in Norwich to share their best recipes, food combos and hot takes. Joining Jay to share their best kitchen advice are food blogger, Will Hughes AKA WhatWillyCook, food writers Melissa Thompson and Melek Erdal, and food historian Dr Annie Gray.
The experts explain how to avoid chewy steak, the best foods to embellish with crisps and perhaps the most pressing of questions: what to cook for a grumpy husband. While Will reminisces about crisp-coated prawns, Jay chats to the chef at XO Kitchen, about his recipes involving snacks, cereals and crisps.
After convincing an audience member that mussels are, in fact, edible, Jay takes a moment to chat to local fishmonger, Gary Howard about the process of harvesting Brancaster mussels.
Producer: Dan CockerAssistant Producer: Dulcie WhadcockSenior Producer: Carly Maile
Jay Rayner and his panel of food experts are in Leeds sharing their top tips and recipes. They deliberate over the perfect roast dinner, offer ideas for a self-catered wedding and discuss the most pressing of tableside debates: can you ever have too much gravy? The panel share their secrets for making the crispiest roast potatoes, exciting recipes involving beans, and discuss whether it’s valid to love raisins, and hate sultanas.
On the panel this week are food historian Dr Annie Gray, chef Rob Owen Brown and writer and restaurateur Tim Hayward. They are aided in their pursuit of roast dinner excellence by executive chef Nick Robertson from one of the city’s oldest pubs.
Assistant producer: Dulcie WhadcockSenior producer: Dom TyermanExecutive producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and his panel of chefs, cooks and writers are offering their best culinary advice from Stoke-on-Trent. Joining him to debate the do’s and don’ts of cooking, chopping and crumble topping, are Dr Zoe Laughlin, Rob Owen Brown, Melissa Thompson and Melek Erdal. The panellists advise on what to do with a glut of mint, marvel at Melissa’s dehydration techniques, and parley over what truly belongs in a full English breakfast. We also hear about the award-winning delicacy, Staffordshire cheese. Meanwhile, Jay chats to Ibrahim Jabarkhel from a local Afghan restaurant, Karwan, about the key flavours, ingredients and dishes of traditional Afghan cookery. Assistant Producer: Dulcie WhadcockProducer: Bethany HockenExecutive Producer: Ollie WilsonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and his panel of chefs, cooks and writers are in the army town of Aldershot answering questions from a crowd of eager home cooks. Jay is joined by specialist in Mauritian food, Shelina Permaloo, materials expert Dr Zoe Laughlin and chefs Sophie Wright and James "Jocky" Petrie. The panellists put their minds to an array of cookery concerns, including things to do with blackberries, the best way to give flavour to calamari, and the crucial debate - does oven temperature really matter? Inspired by Aldershot's monument to the Duke of Wellington, the panel also discusses the multi-step method behind the perfect beef wellington and how to avoid a soggy bottom. Jay stops to chat to TV presenter and member of the British Army Reserve, Jimmy de Ville who reveals the most inventive modes of cooking while on army duty, what an army lunch may consist of, and the key elements of military ration packs.
Jay Rayner and his panel of food experts with a postbag edition of The Kitchen Cabinet. Ready to solve your culinary conundrums are chefs Sophie Wright and Shelina Permaloo, food writer Melek Erdal, and materials expert Dr Zoe Laughlin.
The panel discusses the best recipes for preserved lemons, the benefits of using a pestle and mortar, and the ultimate question - to brine or not to brine? They also reveal the best non-spicy seasonings to use when cooking meat, and the most haunting culinary atrocities they’ve witnessed in the kitchen.
Assistant Producer: Dulcie WhadcockProducer: Bethany HockenA Somethin’ Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and his of panel of food experts are in Woolwich, London for this week's episode. Joining Jay at Woolwich Works are cooks and food writers Melissa Thompson, Tim Anderson, Lerato Umah-Shaylor, and first timer Will Hughes, aka What Willy Cook. The panel discusses festivals dedicated to mayonnaise, pumpkin recipes to disguise the taste of pumpkin, and whether chicken tikka masala pasta is considered a culinary crime. Later, they share ways to sneak seeds into dishes, and the best recipes for fried chicken. Also, Adejoké Bakare of the restaurant Chishuru (and the first black woman to be awarded a Michelin star in the UK) shares her love of West African food and talks about its regionality, dishes and key spices. Producer: Dom TyermanAssistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock
A Somethin’ Else production for BBC Radio 4.
Jay Rayner and his rabble of culinary connoisseurs are in Doncaster. Joining Jay are food writers Sumayya Usmani and Tim Hayward, chef Rachel McCormack and food historian Dr Annie Gray.
Whether it be inventive fillings for jacket potatoes or their most loved school dinners, the panel put their minds to a range of kitchen-based queries. They discuss the ins and outs of fish stock, the do’s and don’ts of baking powder, and their most loved ultra-processed foods.
Alongside the fiery debate, Jay chats to Doncaster Fish Market’s youngest fishmonger, Charlotte Jackson, about the history of the market and her top tips for deboning and gutting.
Assistant Producer: Dulcie WhadcockProducer: Bethany HockenA Somethin’ Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and his panel of food fanatics are in Gloucester for this week’s episode. Joining Jay are materials expert Zoe Laughlin, food writer Lerato Umah-Shaylor, and chefs Rob Owen Brown and Angela Gray.
The panel discuss the how to make the perfect scratchings, the food they’d happily throw down a hill, and the most adventurous ice cream flavours they've endeavoured to make.
Materials expert Dr Zoe Laughin gets to the bottom of the question 'do we get more ice cream in a tub or on a cone?'. And Jay chats to Will Lee from Gloucester’s Holy Gelato, about the best tips and tricks for making ice cream.
Producer: Dan CockerAssistant Producer: Dulcie WhadcockExecutive Producer: Ollie WilsonA Somethin’ Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and his rabble of food experts are in Aberystwyth to advise on all your culinary conundrums.
The panel discuss the best vegetarian fillings for sushi, and their favourite form of breakfast tomato. They also address the truly difficult question - how many layers should the perfect burger have?
Alongside the panel chitchat, recipes and debates, Jay talks to local chef and forager Nathan Davies about the taste, texture and uses of birch syrup.
Later in the show, we hear from Latifa Najjar, head of the Syrian Dinner Project charity, about the comforting Syrian dish, maqluba.
Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Executive Producer: Ollie Wilson
A Somethin’ Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and his panel of chefs, cooks and food writers are in Letchworth.
Joining Jay are drinks expert Alice Lascelles, food historian Dr Annie Gray, and chefs and food writers Jeremy Pang and Tim Hayward.
Jay discusses a variety of kitchen do's and don'ts, whether it be their favourite vegetarian feasts, or the best way to cook green veg. The panel also offer their advice on a range of kitchen conundrums, from the most appealing food fragrance for selling a house, to the contentions question - should we serve seafood with cheese?
Situated in the world's first garden city, Jay stops for a chat with Gardeners' Question Time panellist and horticultural guru Christine Walkden about the best fruit and veg to grow at home.
Senior Producer: Dan CockerAssistant Producer: Dulcie WhadcockA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and his panel of chefs, cooks and writers are in Chester for the first of a new series of The Kitchen Cabinet.
Joining Jay are restaurateur Nisha Katona, chefs Sophie Wright and Rob Owen Brown, and food historian Dr Annie Gray.
The panel offer their best tips and tricks to solve a range of kitchen questions, whether it's recipes involving canned soup, or their top picnic snacks. They also discuss their favourite recipes involving haggis, and debate the most controversial of questions - starter or sweet?
Situated on the Cheshire Plain, Jay chats to Anne Faulkner of Chester cheesemonger The Cheese Shop about the history, types and uses of Cheshire cheese.
Senior Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and his panel of chefs, cooks and writers are in Edgware for this week’s episode of The Kitchen Cabinet. Joining Jay are chefs Andi Oliver and Jeremy Pang, food writer and Masterchef champion Tim Anderson, and food historian Dr Annie Gray. The panel discuss a range of culinary questions, from the most interesting recipes involving kale, to their favourite uses for polenta. They also debate the difference between and pie and a tart, and let us in on their favourite cooking hacks.
Meanwhile, Jay chats to Jonathan Grodzinski from Grodzinski Bakery about the sweets and treats enjoyed during the Jewish festival of Purim. Senior Producer: Dominic TyermanAssistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and his panel of food experts are in Bury St Edmunds for this week’s episode. Joining Jay are food writers Tim Hayward and Ixta Belfrage, chef Andi Oliver and food historian Dr Annie Gray. The panel discuss a range of culinary conundrums, from the best ways to use up 40 savoy cabbages, to making a homemade baguette taste ‘French’. They also discuss the different types of chorizo and its uses, and the real question on everyone’s mind - does anyone enjoy pickled eggs?
Meanwhile, Dr Annie Gray takes us through the history and uses of vinegar, and guest speaker Saffa, from Bury St Edmunds food stall Saffa’s Delight, talks us through the method of making traditional South African biltong. Senior Producer: Dan CockerAssistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and the panel take a break from the road to host a postbag edition of The Kitchen Cabinet from the comfort of the studio. Joining Jay are cooks and food writers Melek Erdal, Melissa Thompson and Tim Hayward, and food historian Dr Annie Gray.
The team have sorted through the cupboards of the TKC inbox to answer some of your culinary queries. They discuss everything from their go-to salad dressing recipes to various ways you can use tonka beans.
Also, they look back at a series full of controversy, revisiting the touchy subjects of sourdough and fish finger sandwiches.
Producer: Dom Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Hannah Newton
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and his panel of food experts have a grand day out in Masham for this week’s episode of The Kitchen Cabinet.Joining Jay are food historian Dr Annie Gray, chef Tim Anderson, and food writers Sumayya Usmani and Melissa Thompson. Whether it be assessing the best ways to use leftover brown bread or how to cook a 3 course meal using beer, Jay and the panel of food fanatics discuss a range of culinary conundrums. And there's the most pressing of questions - is it possible to have too many cookbooks? Also in the programme, Sandra Bell of Wensleydale Creamery joins the team to discuss the origins of the cheese, beloved by Wallace and Gromit. And Jo Theakston of Black Sheep Brewery offers advice on dishes you can pair best with beer.Producer: Dan CockerAssistant Producer: Dulcie WhadcockExecutive Producer: Hannah Newton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and his rabble of recipe experts head to Tunbridge Wells for this week’s episode.
Ready to join Jay from the wings of the Assembly Hall Theatre are materials expert Zoe Laughlin, restaurateur and Mauritian food expert Shelina Permalloo, food writer Jordan Bourke, and chef Paula McIntyre.
Whether it be assessing the size of the bubbles in sparkling water to the importance of ‘burping’ fermented foods, Jay and the panel of food fanatics discuss a range of culinary conundrums. From inventive ways to use up foraged berries, to alternative uses of sparkling water, the panel discusses a range of culinary debates.
And Zoe Laughlin gives us a run down on the varying types and tastes of French beans.
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and his panel of culinary connoisseurs are in the football town of Wrexham for this week’s episode of The Kitchen Cabinet.
Joining Jay on the pitch are materials expert Zoe Laughlin, self-described ‘chef and part-time pirate’ Rob Owen Brown, food journalist, Fliss Freeborn and renowned chef, Angela Gray.
From giant lasagnes to breakfasts you’d eat in secret, the panel discusses a variety of left field recipes. Whether it be alternative uses of cereal, or the best low-effort feast for a dinner party, Jay and his squad tackle a range of culinary questions. Amongst the talk of tinned fish and football feasts, Jay and his team of food referees deliberate over the sandwich fillings worthy of a red card.
Amongst the quick-fire Q and A, Jay has a half-time chat with local Salford Friendly Anglers Society, Michael Duddy, who explains the process of freshwater fishing.
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Senior Producer: Dom Tyerman Executive Producer: Hannah Newton
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner hosts this week's culinary panel show from Billericay. Joining Jay are chef Sophie Wright, Catalonian food expert Rachel McCormack, British-Chinese chef Jeremy Pang, and award-winning food writer Melissa Thompson.
The panel indulge in a variety of culinary conundrums, from suggestions for dishes you could make with marjoram, to the difference between hard and soft herbs, the panel are here to answer all of your food-based queries. They also answer by far the most important question of all - what ingredients go into making the ultimate fish finger sandwich?
Later Co-Founder of Hoyles Honey, Richard Hoyles, gives us an insight into how bees produce honey and answers the question - do bees ever sleep?
Producer: Bethany Hocken
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Executive Producer: Hannah Newton
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner hosts this week's culinary panel show from The Food Museum in Stowmarket. Joining Jay are food historian Dr Annie Gray, Kurdish chef and food writer Melek Erdal, British-Chinese chef Jeremy Pang, and best-selling food writer and Masterchef champion Tim Anderson.
The panel divulges in a variety of culinary conundrums. Whether it be the top tips for using up coconut oil, to the best no-mushroom veggie dishes, the panel assesses an array of food-based questions. Fitting with The Food Museum's grounds, which contain a flour-grinding watermill, the panel discuss the pros and cons of many types of bread, and addresses the all important question - is sourdough worth the hype?
Sandwiched between the audience’s questions, the director of The Food Museum, Jenny Cousins, gives us an insight into eating insects.
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner hosts this week's culinary panel show from the Oxfordshire town of Henley-on-Thames. Joining Jay are materials expert Zoe Laughlin, specialist in contemporary African food Lerato Umah-Shaylor, best-selling food writer Ixta Belfrage, and double adorned Michelin star chef Tom Kerridge.
Jam packed into a swift 30 minutes, the panel discusses an array of culinary condiments and combinations. Whether it's the must-haves of pub snacks, or the heated subject of the ‘slate’ plate, Jay and his panel of kitchen experts indulge in a variety of food-based debates.
As the panel ponders the best alternative uses of tahini, Jay chats to John Maillard from Johnny Hot Stuff about the process of creating a perfectly balanced hot sauce.
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner hosts The Kitchen Cabinet season finale from the comfort of a radio studio. Joining Jay are food writers Jeremy Pang, food historian Dr Annie Gray and chef and food writers Sophie Wright and Tim Anderson.The panellists have cleared out the cupboards of the TKC inbox to answer some of your culinary queries. They discuss everything from their go-to sour dishes that pack a bitter punch, to the qualities they look for in the perfect cooking knife, and offer secret tips on the perfect method for frying croquettes.Producer: Dan CockerAssistant Producer: Rahnee PrescodExecutive Producer: Hannah NewtonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner hosts this week's culinary panel show from the heart of bustling Brixton in South London. Joining Jay are food writers Melissa Thompson and Lerato, chef and food writer Marie Mitchell, and chef and Tim Anderson.The panellists discuss the delights of Caribbean cuisine - from perfecting rice and peas, to picking the right shade of plantain. They divulge their go-to savoury breakfasts and offer secret tips on giving dishes that ‘magical punch’, including their most-loved methods of cooking asparagus.Also joining the panel are renowned Brixton-based cook, Maureen Tyne who teaches us all you need to know about jerk, and Rastafarian cook, Jahson Peat, who gives us an insight into the beliefs and traditions of I-tal food.Producer: Dominic TyermanAssistant Producer: Rahnee PrescodExecutive Producer: Hannah NewtonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner hosts this week's culinary panel show from the windy coast of Portstewart in Northern Ireland. Joining Jay are food writer Melek Erdal, Korean food connoisseur Jordan Bourke, local chef Paula McIntyre, and materials expert Dr Zoe Laughlin.Just down the road from the Giant's Causeway, Jay and the panel ponder over what dish they would serve to a not-so-friendly giant. They share various tips on the best ways to cook brown rice, offer advice on cooking with Irish Whisky, and answer perhaps the most pressing of culinary questions - what genre of music would you associate your cooking style with?Also joining the panel is Kelp expert Ellie Vogel who sheds light on the murky process of growing and farming this local seaweed.Producer: Bethany HockenAssistant Producer: Dulcie WhadcockExecutive Producer: Hannah NewtonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner hosts this week's culinary panel show from Plymouth. Joining Jay are food writers Melissa Thompson and Tim Hayward, Cardiff-based chef Angela Gray, and food historian Annie Gray.During a quickfire Q and A, Jay and the panel discuss a flurry of culinary queries from an audience of avid foodies. Inspired by the city’s ocean air, the panellists consider a range of seaside suggestions, whether it be quick tips for slow-cooking or nailing a charcoal-fuelled feast. They offer advice on cooking with gin, and answer perhaps the most pressing of culinary questions - what to cook for my vegan son?Also, beach barbecue connoisseur Simon Stallard gives us the dos and don’ts of perfecting the art of wood-fired cooking.Assistant Producer: Dulcie WhadcockProducer: Dominic TyermanExecutive Producer: Hannah NewtonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner hosts a culinary panel show packed full of tasty titbits from Manchester. Joining Jay this week are panellists Rob Owen Brown, Nisha Katona, Sumayya Usmani, and Rachel McCormack.Producer: Bethany HockenAssistant Producer: Dulcie WhadcockExecutive Producer: Louisa FieldA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner hosts this week's culinary panel show from Grimsby. Joining him are food writers Melissa Thompson and Fliss Freeborn, Manchester-born chef Rob Owen Brown, and food history wiz Annie Gray.Inspired by Grimsby’s traditional smoked fish practices and historic ice factories, the panel discuss everything from frozen foods to life hacks for leftovers, and the all important question - do peas belong in fish pie? They reminisce over their best and worst culinary moments, from their food-based milestones to meltdown-worthy meals they’ve cheffed up for themselves. Alongside the audience’s questions, guests from Alfred Enderby’s Fish Smokers and Grimsby Ice Factory offer an insightful look into Grimsby’s traditional food production methods.Producer: Dominic TyermanAssistant Producer: Dulcie WhadcockExecutive Producer: Louisa FieldA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner hosts this week's culinary panel show from the Welsh capital city of Cardiff. Joining Jay are chefs Angela Gray and Jeremy Pang, panel first-timer Ixta Belfrage, and materials expert Dr Zoe Laughlin.Inspired by Cardiff's extra-terrestrial residents, the panel time-travel through the food of science fiction. They get serious over exciting uses for prunes, and dunk their recipe ideas into the subject of soup.Sweet or Savoury? The team also throw their favourite pancake recipes into the frying pan. Dr Zoe Laughlin puts her artistic abilities to the test when she attempts to recreate a familiar face in dough form.Producer: Daniel CockerAssistant Producer: Rahnee PrescodExecutive Producer: Louisa FieldA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner hosts this week's culinary panel show from Tamworth in Staffordshire. Joining Jay this week are Lerato, Sophie Wright, Dr Annie Gray and panel first-timer Richard Bertinet. They discuss aphrodisiac foods – is there such a thing? What would the panel suggest as an ideal Valentine’s Day cheese, and how to guarantee a rising vegan pavlova. En-route they touch on the origins of Apres-Ski including how to make the best hot chocolate to warm the cockles. The team also chew over pickles with the help of local pickler, Julian Bonser: the history of pickling, the difference between vinegar and brine, their favourite pickles, and how to encourage a listener’s teens to try them. Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee PrescodExecutive Producer: Louisa FieldA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.
Jay Rayner hosts this week's culinary panel show from Slough in Berkshire. Joining Jay this week are Paula McIntyre, Sophie Wright, Lerato, and Dr Zoe Laughlin.They chew over how to eat a wider variety of plants in easy-to-cook dishes, the best uses for pineapple and the science behind getting chocolate to sound and taste just right.Also on the programme, author Zuza Zak offers up insights on the Polish dumpling called pierogi. The team give their favourite versions of this flexible favourite, as well as helping a listener overcome her phobia of school dumplings. Producer: Dominic TyermanAssistant Producer: Rahnee PrescodExecutive Producer: Louisa Field A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.
Jay Rayner is back for a new series. This week he's joined by culinary experts Andi Oliver, Tim Hayward, Fliss Freeborn and food historian Dr Annie Gray.Jay and the panel are in Tring, Hertfordshire, an area famous for flour production. Archeobotanist and organic farmer John Letts explains what he thinks makes medieval heritage grains superior to ‘commodity’ grains, while the panel offer advice on how to use flour to its full potential.Tring is also famous for the Natural History Museum and its collection of stuffed mammals, birds and insects, allowing the panel to ponder the most exotic thing they have ever stuffed to eat. The debate reveals some surprising answers - not for the faint hearted!Producer: Daniel CockerAssistant Producer: Rahnee PrescodExecutive Producer: Louisa FieldA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner hosts The Kitchen Cabinet series finale from Bishopsgate, London. Ready to answer your culinary questions are Andi Oliver, Tim Hayward, Sumayya Usmani and Professor Barry Smith.
For the series finale, the panellists reflect on the most important lessons they’ve learnt in the kitchen. They also confess their favourite tinned foods, and debate where you can find the best fish and chips.
This week they’re joined by Usman Ansari from Lahore Kebab House in Whitechapel. Usman explains the significance of grilling in Pakistani cuisine, and shares his top tips for marinating meat for the grill.
Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Bethany Hocken Executive Producer: Louisa Field
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and a panel of culinary experts are in Preston, Lancashire. Taking questions from the local audience are Tim Anderson, Jordan Bourke, Rob Owen Brown and Zoe Laughlin.
The panellists confess their go-to dish to impress a love interest, cooked with varying levels of romantic success. Meanwhile Lancashire lad Rob gets nostalgic munching on a local sweet treat, Goosnargh biscuits. On hand to tell us about its distinctive flavour is Rachel Carefoot, head baker at Williams Handbaked.
Our experts also share their favourite fried chicken recipes, including one with a surprise ingredient. Instant mashed potato, anyone?
Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Aniya Das Executive Producer: Louisa Field
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner hosts this week's culinary panel show from Coventry. Marinating the audience with food knowledge are Shelina Permalloo, Angela Gray, Melissa Thompson, and Dr Annie Gray.
The panellists reveal their favourite “unadorned” food while things get a little heated around the question of what constitutes a humble vegetable. Whether you fancy a carrot or a Jerusalem artichoke, the recipes offered up by the team are enough to whet anyone’s appetite.
Bringing the panel together in agreement is 2-Tone Café chef Angela Knight whose speciality is Jamaican cooking. Melissa Thompson talks of the fascinating origins of pimento berries and jerk in the mountains of Jamaica, and Dr Annie Gray looks at the history of the island's cuisine in the UK.
Producer: Daniel Cocker Assistant Producer: Bethany Hocken Executive Producer: Louisa Field
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.
Jay Rayner and a panel of experts are in Ely, Cambridgeshire. Ready to take on your kitchen conundrums are Anna Jones, Sophie Wright, Paula McIntyre and Dr Annie Gray.
This week the panel gets to the crunch with some Fenland celery. Annie explains how to serve it ‘frizzled’ like the Victorians, and local grower Ivaylo Kostadinov lets us in on a celery-based special effects secret.
The panellists also suggest what to do with a glut of quinces, and share their favourite dried mushroom recipes. On hand to advise are mushroom farmers Aly Kassam and Lisa Richards.
Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Bethany Hocken Executive Producer: Louisa Field
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.
Jay Rayner hosts a culinary panel show packed full of tasty titbits. This week he's in Essex with experts Tim Anderson, Sophie Wright, Rob Owen Brown and Zoe Laughlin.
In the series finale, the panel tell us how to keep cool under pressure (cooking). They also debate whether you should pre-cook meat in the oven before a barbeque - is it the sensible thing to do or is it missing the point?
Essex is the home of Tiptree jam so the panel is joined by Walter Scott, Chairman of Wilkin & Sons. He shares their rich history of jam making, and even brings in a jar of James Bond's favourite flavour, scarlet strawberry.
The panel is also joined by Anton Thurgood from Maldon Salt, the saline jewel of Essex county. Anton talks us through the artisanal salt making methods used in Maldon, and the panellists share some delicious salt-bake recipes.
Producer - Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer - Bethany Hocken
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and the panel visit Eastbourne. Jordan Bourke, Melek Erdal, Andi Oliver and Professor Barry Smith answer the questions.
This week, the panellists divulge their tips for peeling an egg, share recipes for their favourite alcoholic sorbets and ice creams, and recommend dishes for those overripe bananas.
Inspired by guest Richard James from Rathfinny Wine Estate, Professor Barry Smith leads the team in an experiment that'll test how to identify a good fizzy wine, and Banoffee Pie inventor Ian Dowding shares the origin story behind this yummy desert.
Producer - Daniel Cocker Assistant Producer - Aniya Das
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.
Jay Rayner hosts the culinary panel programme from York. On this week's panel are Rachel McCormack, Jeremy Pang, Paula McIntyre and Dr Annie Gray.
This week the panellists talk Yorkshire puddings and discuss which size tray is best. They also debate whether white chocolate is really chocolate, and Nestlé archivist Alex Hutchinson is on hand to explain the origins of this divisive confectionary.
The team is joined by Suzy Garraghan, Tea Buyer for Bettys and Taylors of Harrogate, who discusses how they select the best tea to suit the local Yorkshire water, and the panel shares its favourite tea-based recipes.
Producer - Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer - Bethany Hocken
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and his panel of food experts don their thinking caps as they take a trip to the city of spires and quiet learning - Oxford. Sophie Wright, Andi Oliver, Tim Hayward, and Zoe Laughlin answer questions from the audience.
This week, The Kitchen Cabinet team considers the best recipes for chickpea flour, how best to use fruit syrups in your cooking, and delicious vegan alternatives to gelatine in jelly babies.
Joining the team to discuss the fascinating food traditions at the Oxford University colleges is Librarian Matthew Shaw, alongside Justin Gildea, who talks passionately about the uses for oxtail.
Producer - Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer - Bethany Hocken
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and his panel are in Swansea. Jeremy Pang, Angela Gray, Sumayya Usmani and Dr Annie Gray answer questions from the audience.
With the seaside breeze streaming in to the auditorium, the panellists feel inspired to discuss smuggling food flavours into their cooking, the best recipes for the cockle, and the history of ice cream, with Dr Annie Gray whipping up an 18th Century recipe for the team to try.
Joining the panel this week are cockles expert, Carol Watts, and ice cream expert, Adrian Hughes.
Producer - Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer - Aniya Das
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and a panel of culinary experts visit the Royal Institution, London. Angela Hartnett, Tim Anderson, Shelina Permalloo and Professor Barry Smith are on hand to answer questions from keen cooks.
Like the inventors at the Royal Institution before them, the panellists share their Eureka moments in the kitchen and their top salad-dressing secrets. In an auditory experiment, Professor Barry Smith explains the relationship we have between taste and crunch.
Joining the panel this week is Royal Institution Curator of Collections, Charlotte New, who tells us the story of the Count that invented Sous Vide cooking.
Producer - Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer - Aniya Das
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and his culinary panel are in Taunton, Somerset. Joining him for the first in a new series are Tim Hayward, Alice Lascelles, Tim Anderson and Professor Barry Smith.
As this year's Glastonbury Festival recedes into the distance, the panellists discuss indulgent festival food, offer recipe suggestions for eggs and dream up their ultimate cheese board.
They're also joined by local cheesemaker Tom Carver and cider connoisseur Matilda Temperley.
Producer - Daniel Cocker Assistant Producer - Bethany Hocken
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner hosts a culinary panel show packed full of tasty titbits. Joining him for the series finale are Melissa Thompson, Jordan Bourke, Sue Lawrence and Dr Annie Gray.
Producer - Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer - Aniya Das
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and a panel of experts head to Brockenhurst to help answer your kitchen queries. On the panel are Angela Hartnett, Tim Hayward, Shelina Permalloo and Professor Barry Smith.
This week the panel takes a trip on the watercress line and shares some delicious recipes using this peppery leaf. Tom Amery, Managing Director of The Watercress Company brings some of Hampshire's finest leaves to try.
The panel also learns about the New Forest's history of pannage pork. Andrew and Sarah Parry-Norton of Storm's Farm are on hand to explain exactly what the local tradition of pannaging is, and why it makes pannage pork taste so rich.
Producer - Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer - Bethany Hocken
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner hosts a culinary panel show packed full of tasty titbits. Joining him this week to answer questions from hungry listeners are Andi Oliver, Jeremy Pang, Anna Jones and Dr Annie Gray.
With May Day celebrations happening across the globe, the team discusses elaborate ways of presenting food. From phoenix-shaped chicken to human-sized trifles, it seems these panellists go all out! They'll also be talking about the traditional Irish dish Colcannon, as well as debating their favourite pasta fillings, including some unusual sweet options - apple pie dumplings anyone?
Resident food historian Dr Annie Gray regales us with the history of mealtimes, surmising that “mealtimes are a cultural construct, there are no rules - eat what you want to! Enjoy it!” A motto we can all get behind.
Producer - Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer - Bethany Hocken
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner hosts a culinary panel show packed full of tasty titbits. Melek Erdal, Rob Owen Brown, Nisha Katona and Dr Annie Gray are ready to help answer questions from listeners.
With a glimmer of more pleasant weather ahead, Jay and the team look to food that can be enjoyed outside, sharing their recipes for the most delicious pasta and potato salads and the most delectable cheese sandwiches. And, on the day of Shakespeare's birth, Dr Annie Gray summons the muse, delving into food references made throughout the bard's plays.
Eli Cohen of Beigel Bake on Brick Lane, London joins to share his family's history with that versatile bread - the bagel!
Producer - Daniel Cocker Assistant Producer - Bethany Hocken
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner and a panel of culinary experts visit the Wellcome Collection in London. On the panel this week are Tim Hayward, Sophie Wright, Jordan Bourke and Dr Zoe Laughlin.
To celebrate Easter weekend, the panellists reveal the culinary Easter eggs they have hidden in their cooking - anchovies anyone? They also look back to Shrove Tuesday and tell us their favourite way to have pancakes.
Joining the panel this week is Julia Nurse, a Research Development Specialist at Wellcome Collection. Julia digs into the Wellcome archives and uncovers some old and medicinal recipes, including an old ketchup recipe which inspires a debate on condiment dos and don'ts.
Producer - Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer - Aniya Das
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner hosts a culinary panel show packed full of tasty titbits. With him this week are culinary experts Andi Oliver, Tim Anderson, Sophie Wright and Professor Barry Smith.
As we all endure April showers, the panellists look forward to May flowers and tell us the most onerous prep they have done in the kitchen to achieve a delicious silver lining. They also suggest recipes for recreating a lemon puff biscuit, and debate the perfect ice cream sundae - do you stick to one ice cream flavour, or is it the more the merrier?
Producer - Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer - Aniya Das
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner hosts a culinary panel show packed full of tasty titbits. Ready and raring to kick off the new series are panellists Rachel McCormack, Jeremy Pang, Tim Anderson and Dr Zoe Laughlin.
The panellists delve into their pantries for a good clear out, unwrapping the hot topic of truffles, divulging some delicious savoury recipes for those pecan nuts you've discovered hiding behind the rice and, to top it all off, they suggest how to prepare spring onions for that ever-so professional finish.
Beyond the questions, materials expert Dr Zoe Laughlin uses her science know-how to test what constitutes a bowl over a plate.
Producer - Daniel Cocker Assistant Producer - Bethany Hocken
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner hosts a culinary panel show packed full of tasty titbits. For the series finale, he's joined by Jeremy Pang, Sophie Wright, Melissa Thompson and Dr Annie Gray - ready to answer your cooking conundrums.
This week, the panellists go back to basics with their favourite ways to cook and eat sausages including how to make the perfect toad-in-the-hole, or frog-in-a-bog to some!
And to end the series on something sweet, our experts indulge us with their unique twists on a crème brûlée and delight in it's wobbly cousin - the crème caramel.
Producer: Hannah Newton Assistant Producer: Aniya Das
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner hosts a culinary panel show packed full of tasty titbits. This week, he's joined by Rob Owen Brown, Rachel McCormack, Jeremy Pang and Professor Barry Smith.
As the calendar equivalent of a Monday morning wraps up, the team divulge the meals they had to endure growing up, as well as debating whether stuffing should contain meat, and pondering over recipes for leftover gin-soaked sloes.
In the guest seat this week, the daughter of renowned Chinese chef-restaurateur Bill Poon, Amy Poon, regaling the panel with tales of mythical beasts and their taste for sweet treats as she looks towards the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations.
And Professor of sense-related profundity, Barry Smith, leaves the panellists a little sour-faced with this week's experiment. Grab a sour sweet to take part!
Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Bethany Hocken
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner hosts a culinary panel show packed full of tasty titbits. Mel Erdal, Jordan Bourke, Tim Anderson and Dr Zoe Laughlin answer questions on all things gastronomic.
This week our experts share their favourite ways to cook cauliflower - whole roasted, deep-fried and straight up with cheese (and pickled onions!). They also explore the magic of toasting, and debate the perfect fruit-to-topping ratio of a crumble.
Producer - Hannah Newton Assistant Producer - Bethany Hocken
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Jay Rayner hosts the culinary panel show. Ready to answer questions sent in by hungry listeners are Andi Oliver, Paula McIntyre, Tim Hayward and Dr Annie Gray.
This week, the panellists help us stave off the winter cold with some delightfully warming drinks recipes. They also share their top tips for using up a glut of limes, and teach us how to smoke salmon at home.
Joining them is Georgian chef and author Tiko Tuskadze, who talks through her favourite recipe for khachapuri, a classic Georgian cheese bread.
Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Aniya Das
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4