The Kitchen Cabinet

Jay Rayner and a panel of food experts are in Bath offering tips on soft cheese and bain-marie cooking. Jay is joined by chefs, cooks and food writers Sophie Wright, Jocky Petrie and Lerato Umah-Shaylor, along with resident food historian Dr Annie Gray. The panellists discuss their favourite cold soups, explain the purpose of different types of salt, and share the best things to pair with soft cheese. Meanwhile, Annie Gray provides a brief history of cheese production in the UK. Later on, Jay chats to local cheesemonger Hugh Padfield to discuss the unique history, flavour profile and method of producing Bath soft cheese.Senior Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock 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 Smith Junior Producer: Dulcie Whadcock A 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 Tyerman Assistant producer: Rahnee Prescod.A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Jay Rayner and a panel of expert chefs, cooks and food writers dip into the TKC postbag with the goal of answering various culinary conundrums, sent to the inbox. Joining Jay are Jocky Petrie, Sophie Wright, Tim Anderson and Dr Zoe Laughlin.The panellists explore what to do with excess bottles of prosecco, the best method for resting meat, and which pan truly delivers the perfect grilled steak. They'll also reveal their least favourite kitchen chores and share their secrets for identifying top-quality butter.Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Dulcie WhadcockA Somethin' Else Production for BBC Radio 4

Jay Rayner and a panel of expert chefs, cooks and food writers are at the Fallibroome Academy in Macclesfield, answering questions on bilberries and treacle. Joining Jay are Sarah Rankin, Angela Gray, Rob Owen Brown and food historian Dr Annie Gray.The panellists discuss their favourite ways to use up miso paste, the best savoury recipes involving treacle, and what to do with vegetables that have seen better days. They also share their true feelings about fried bread on a full English and what to do with a glut of homegrown berries.Situated on the cusp of the Peak District, Jay chats to local forager Richard McManus about the upcoming bilberry picking season, and the unique flavour profile of the bilberry.Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock A Somethin' Else Production for BBC Radio 4

Jay Rayner and a panel of chefs, cooks and food writers are at the Bridport Arts Centre in Dorset discussing local favourites- Dorset Knobs and blue vinny cheese. Joining Jay to offer their tips, recipes and techniques are Melissa Thompson, Melek Erdal, Jocky Petrie and Shelina Permaloo.The panellists share their favourite recipes involving quail and the best ways to use up a large supply of crackers, and discuss the question 'why does tomato ketchup exist?'. We also hear some useful tips for assessing the spiciness of a chilli and whether the panel are for or against minimalist restaurant menus.Producer: Matt Smith Assistant Producer: Dulcie WhadcockA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Jay Rayner and a panel of top chefs, cooks and food writers are in Ashford, Kent answering questions from a hungry audience of home cooks. Joining Jay are Mallika Basu, Lerato Umah- Shaylor, Rob Owen Brown and food historian, Dr Annie Gray.The panel discuss what to cook with buckwheat flour, recipes involving broad beans and settle the most fiery of food debates - do baked beans and peas belong on the same plate.They discuss flour and custard in all their forms and hear from Pat White of Ashford's Willesborough Windmill, about its 150 year history.A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Jay Rayner and a panel of expert chefs, cooks and food writers are at the London Irish Centre, Camden discussing bouncy foods and cooking with corn. Joining Jay are Angela Hartnett, Jeremy Pang, Big Has and materials expert Dr Zoe Laughlin. They discuss their best methods for preparing garlic and how to add depth to a homemade tomato sauce, and debate whether fries should be loaded with toppings or left alone. Jay also stops to chat to Safia Jama from the Al Khaf family restaurant in Whitechapel about the flavours and ingredients involved in traditional Somali cooking.A Somethin' Else pproduction for BBC Radio 4

Jay Rayner and a panel of expert chefs and writers are in Huntingdon sharing their top tips with an audience of keen home cooks. Joining Jay are Andi Oliver, Jocky Petrie, Melek Erdal and food historian Dr Annie Gray.The panellists discuss what to do with a glut of super hot chillis, recipes involving fruit and meat pairings, and the best way to cook an egg. They also chat about what makes a great dining experience, the best sauce to have on a doner kebab, and the food they would most like to ban.Situated in Huntingdon, home of the Huntingdon fidget pie, Jay stops to chat to Emma Talic of Measures Butchers about the history of the fidget pie and her favourite pie filling combos.A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Jay Rayner and a panel of expert chefs, cooks and food writers are in Milton Keynes sharing their top tricks and recipes with an audience of home cooks. Joining Jay to discuss barbecued desserts and paneer recipes are baker and writer Nadiya Hussain, food historian Dr Annie Gray, writer Tim Hayward, and chef Sophie Wright.The panellists discuss what they'd serve at a roadside food truck and their favourite recipes involving medjool dates, and debate whether brioche buns belong on burgers. They also suggest ways to use up leftover sourdough and share their ultimate recipes for a steak sandwich.Jay stops to chat to Alain Vivion of Brioche Pasquier about the history, method and flavour of traditional brioche.A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Jay Rayner and the panel are in Newtownabbey celebrating the 300th episode of The Kitchen Cabinet. Joining Jay are chefs, cooks and food writers Melissa Thompson, Paula McIntyre, Rachel McCormack, and Jordan Bourke. Together, they explore the much-loved Northern Irish sweet treat, fifteens, and share the best ways to revolutionise a beef stew. They also debate the polemic culinary question - should stuffing be cooked inside or outside of the bird? Later on, Jay chats to Peter Hannan, the man behind the famous sugar pit bacon about how he makes his bacon taste so good. We also hear from local baker,  Shannon Holmes from Nanny Plums bakery, about the recipe, flavour and story behind the no-bake treat, the 'fifteen'. Producer: Daniel Cocker Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Executive Producer: Ollie Wilson A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Jay Rayner and the panel are offering their culinary advice to a hungry audience of home cooks in Bradford, the City of Culture 2025. Joining Jay are chefs, cooks and food writers Rob Owen Brown, Mallika Basu, Sarah Rankin, and Tim Anderson. The panellists discuss the many ways to use cardamom in cooking, their top savoury breakfast ideas involving parathas, and answer the important debate - is a sous vide ever really necessary?Jay also delves into the history of South Asian sweets with special guest Haroon Habib from Bradford's Sweet Factory. Haroon discusses the art of crafting traditional South Asian sweets their unique flavour profile. Producer: Daniel Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Ollie Wilson A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Jay Rayner and a panel of chefs and food writers kick off a new series in Newark. They answer a range of questions on coffee infused dishes and the best way to cook lamb. Joining Jay are food historian Dr Annie Gray, and chefs, cooks and food writers Lerato Umah Shaylor, Melissa Thompson, and Rob Owen Brown.The panellists also come up with ideas for cooking cauliflower, as well as some suggestions for using beetroot.Alongside the Q and A, Jay chats to Mat Short from Stray's at The Ossington about the do's and don't of using coffee in food and drinks.Producer: Daniel Cocker Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Executive Producer: Ollie Wilson A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Jay Rayner and a panel of chefs and food writers are in Walthamstow answering questions on Christmas side dishes and festive vegetarian centre pieces. Joining Jay are materials expert Dr Zoe Laughlin, and chefs, cooks and food writers Will Hughes, Melissa Thompson, and Andi Oliver.The panellists discuss how to pimp up a Boxing Day sandwich and the best ways to use up a cupboard-full of chutneys and jams. They also debate their top side dishes for a Christmas dinner, and answer the most intriguing of questions - what's the biggest mess they've ever made in the kitchen?Alongside the Q and A, Jay chats to Annabelle Clarke from Walthamstow's Coven of Wiches sandwich shop about the key to constructing a top-notch sarnie. 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 experts are answering questions from an audience in Rosewell, Midlothian. Joining Jay to share their soufflé tips, parsnip recipes and more are chefs cooks and food writers Sarah Rankin, Sumayya Usmani, Rachel McCormack and Jocky Petrie. The panel go in pursuit of the perfect porridge and are offered an insight into the world porridge championships from its host, panellist Sarah Rankin. How can you pimp your daily porridge? Also, the panel share the best ways to cook venison, the perks of owning a spurtle and bay leaves…what's the point?Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Senior Producer: Dominic Tyerman Executive Producer: Ollie WilsonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Jay Rayner and his panel of chefs, cooks and food writers dig through the Kitchen Cabinet inbox to answer your culinary conundrums. In this postbag edition of the programme, food experts Shelina Permalloo, Melek Erdal, James ‘Jocky' Petrie and Dr Annie Gray tackle the use of pea shoots as garnish and share their perfect chutney recipes.   They get into the nitty gritty of deveining prawns and take stances on the perfect cheesecake recipe, and the best way to cook broccoli.   And if you've ever considered purchasing a blow torch for Christmas, Jocky provides a prime example of how not to use it.Senior Producer: Daniel Cocker Assistant Producer: Dulcie WhadcockA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Jay Rayner and the panel are in Hitchin answering questions from an audience of eager home cooks. Joining Jay to discuss risotto rice and rose water are food historian Dr Annie Gray, food writer Melek Erdal2, and chefs Sophie Wright and Tim Anderson. Melek shares a Persian recipe for crispy saffron rice, while Annie takes us through the history of risotto, and the panel debates the perfect methods of making it. Situated in Hitchin, a town known for its lavender fields, the panellists also discuss how flowers can be used in cooking, including the 17th century dessert, the Pudding of Many Colours' Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Executive Producer: Ollie WilsonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Jay Rayner and the panel are in Wolverhampton discussing Desi pubs, mouli, and marinades. Joining Jay to answer questions from the audience are chef Rob Owen Brown and food writers Sumayya Usmani, Lerato Umah-Shaylor and Melissa Thompson.                       Filmmaker Zaki Solosho joins the team to talk about his new film Desi: A Pub Story which explores the origins, traditions and cultural significance of Desi pubs in the UK.   Jay and the panel also discuss what to do with celeriac leaves, the difference between tikka and tandoori, and how long we should be marinating meat. We also hear the panel's favourite winter warmers, including an indulgent Maltese hot chocolate, Imbuljuta tal-Qastan.     Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Senior Producer: Dom Tyerman Executive Producer: Ollie WilsonA 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 chefs, cooks and food writers dig deep into the Kitchen Cabinet inbox in a postbag edition of the programme. Providing their true thoughts on full English breakfasts and bechamel sauce hacks are food experts Tim Anderson, Jeremy Pang, Lerato Umah-Shaylor and Sophie Wright. Jay and the panel discuss hash browns and the tastiest one-pot dishes, and respond to a perhaps controversial question - what's the point of mozzarella? They later take a stance on the best flavour of jam, and deliberate over the proper shape to cut a sandwich. And if you too feel strongly about the way your veg is chopped, Jeremy Pang offers validating intel about the importance of chopping methods in Chinese cookery.Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock 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 WhadcockA 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 Cocker Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Senior Producer: Carly Maile

Investigating every aspect of the food we eat

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 Whadcock Producer: Bethany Hocken Executive Producer: Ollie Wilson A 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 culinary experts are in South Lambeth, the home of London's 'Little Portugal'. Joining Jay to offer their best tips, tricks and recipes are chefs, cooks and food writers Melek Erdal, Jordan Bourke, Lerato Umah-Shaylor and Andi Oliver. The panellists share their best ideas for using a pressure cooker and the fool proof way to make homemade piri-piri seasoning, and offer their own twist on the beloved margarita cocktail. They also discuss some alternative uses for date syrup, and why we're constantly instructed in recipes to tear, not chop, basil. Alongside the panel's advice, Jay chats to local Portuguese chef Diogo Durães, from O Cantinho De Portugal, Stockwell who teaches us about the breadth and regionality of Portuguese cuisine. We also hear about the key ingredients in Portuguese cooking, and his best recipe for the garlicky bread-based soup, Açorda.Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

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 Whadcock Producer: Bethany Hocken A 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 Tyerman Assistant Producer: Dulcie WhadcockA 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 Whadcock Producer: Bethany Hocken A 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 Cocker Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Executive Producer: Ollie Wilson A 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 WilsonA 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 Cocker Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock A 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 Tyerman Assistant 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 Cocker Assistant Producer: Dulcie WhadcockA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Jay Rayner and his panel of food experts are in Newcastle for this week's episode of The Kitchen Cabinet. Joining Jay are chef Rob Owen-Brown, food writers Paula McIntyre and Rachel McCormack, and food historian Dr Annie Gray.In Newcastle's Live Theatre, the panel discusses everything from basic tips for cracking an egg, to the more complex of questions - is there anything that can't be improved by nduja? Meanwhile, Dr Annie Gray takes us through the changing sounds of the kitchen over the years, as the panel discuss the worst noises to hear while cooking.Alongside the panel debate, local culinary hero Adam Riley of Riley's Fish Shack talks the panel through the history, preparation and recipes for kippers.Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Dulcie WhadcockA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Jay Rayner and his panel of food connoisseurs are in Lewes for this week's episode. Joining Jay are chef Tim Anderson, food writer Lerato Umah-Shaylor, and drinks expert Alice Lascelles. The panel discusses the best way to use up a glut of avocados, how to use nettles in cooking, and the best type of crisps to pair with wine. Meanwhile, drinks journalist Alice Lascelles takes us through the best types of English wine, while Tim Anderson offers up his tips and tricks for cooking with Japanese fruit, yuzu. The panel also addresses the question on everyone's mind - if you could bathe in one fruit, what would it be?A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Jay Rayner and his panel of food fanatics are in Reading for this week's episode of The Kitchen Cabinet. Joining Jay on the panel are materials expert, Dr Zoe Laughlin, chef Angela Gray and food writers Sophie Wright and Jordan Bourke. The panel discuss the best way to use up leftover cheese, how to encourage your loved ones to like green vegetables, and tempering versus frying spices. Situated in the biscuit town of Reading, Jay chats to Brendan Carr from Reading Museum, who shares the history of biscuits in Reading, and the intriguing history of the biscuit tin. Meanwhile, Zoe Laughlin answers the question on everyone's mind: which biscuit is best for dunking?In recognition of Reading's large Italian community, the panel later discuss their favourite pasta sauce recipes, and hear from local Sardinian pasta maker, Toni Sale who shares his top methods for creating traditional pasta from scratch.

Jay Rayner and his rabble of food experts are in Nottingham to kick off a new season of The Kitchen Cabinet. Joining Jay are food writers Melissa Thompson, Tim Hayward and Sumayya Usmani, and materials expert Dr Zoe Laughlin. The panellists answer a variety of culinary questions, including their most loved toastie recipes, and their top tips for cooking with quinoa. They also debate the best sausage to eat with HP sauce, and how to spice up a wiener schnitzel. And Jay chats to Bramley apple expert Roger Merriweather about the apple's historical links to Nottingham.A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

In the season finale of The Kitchen Cabinet, Jay Rayner and his team of food experts are at West Horsley Place to solve the audience's culinary conundrums.He's joined by food writer Lerato Umah Shaylor, chefs Jeremy Pang, Rob Owen Brown and materials expert Zoe Laughlin to tackle all things banquets and nibbles - from non-alcoholic drinks perfect for Dry January to show stopping banquet meals to amaze party guests. The panellists also discuss the weird food items tucked away at the back of their pantries, and answer the all important question - what's the optimum shape for a glass of champagne?And Jay chats to the Director of West Horsley Place Trust, Ilona Harris, to find out about West Horsley's rich banqueting history - previously enjoyed by Henry VIII.Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Hannah NewtonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Captain ‘Jay' Hook and his rabble of food experts are in the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury for a pantomime edition of The Kitchen Cabinet. Joining Jay in the wings are food writer and Masterchef champion Tim Anderson, chefs Tim Hayward and Sophie Wright, and materials expert Dr Zoe Laughlin. Head to toe in panto paraphernalia, the panellists discuss a variety of Christmas-themed cuisines, including meat-free Christmas dinners, pre-made canapés, and the star of every festive feast - the cheese and pineapple hedgehog. In keeping with the pantomime season, the panel addresses the iconic custard pie and the best type of cream to ‘‘splat” with.Also, Jay chats to Ayumi Kuwata, founder of Canterbury's sampuru store, Smile Labo, about the intricacies of Japan's fake food tradition.Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Executive Producer: Hannah NewtonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Jay and his team of food experts are answering questions from Luton for this week's episode. Joining Jay are broadcaster and chef Lerato Umah-Shaylor, food writers Jordan Bourke and Sumayya Usmani, and food historian Dr Annie Gray. The panellists attempt to resolve a variety of culinary conundrums, including their best advice for cooking risotto, how to use mace in cooking, and their dream fusion food. Also, Jay chats to Guinness World Record holder for the largest onion bhaji, Oli Khan, and proud producer of the Bedfordshire clanger, Jamie Gunns from Gunns Bakery. Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Senior Producer: Dominic TyermanA Sometin' Else production for BBC Radio 4