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Episode details

Radio 4,30 Oct 2026,41 mins

Food and Magic

The Food Programme

Available for over a year

With Halloween upon us, this episode of the Food Programme explores the unique connection between Food and Magic. Jaega Wise visits "Kitchen Witch” Rachel Patterson to find out how she uses everyday ingredients in her spells, and witnesses some food illusions with Chris Dodd, a pastry chef turned luxury magician. Medieval researcher at the University of Pegaso Andrea Maraschi explains how magical rituals from the past connect to how we cook and eat today. We meet food writer Ella Risbridger, who’s experienced first hand the transformational powers of cooking. And there’s some complete and utter kitchen wizardry from the culinary genius of Heston Blumenthal. Presented by Jaega Wise and produced for BBC Audio Bristol by Tory Pope

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