Postbag

Postbag

From The Kitchen Cabinet by BBC Radio 4

May 16, 2026 · 28 min

About this episode

The episode features a postbag special where the panel answers listener questions about various cooking dilemmas and kitchen essentials.

Jay Rayner is joined by Jeremy Pang, Sophie Wright, Melek Erdal and Jocky Petrie in the studio for a postbag special, tackling listeners’ questions on everything from leftover chocolate bars to kitchen design. They kick things off with a classic dilemma - what to do with a surplus of mini Bounty bars. Creative ideas range from indulgent milkshakes and ice cream, to coconut‑infused vodka and homemade fudge. They also dive into more savoury territory, sharing tips on cooking herring roes and turning tins of sardines in tomato sauce into everything from bolognese to Southeast Asian‑inspired dishes. A listener’s concerns about Jerusalem artichokes spark a lively discussion about foods that come with side effects, before the panellists discuss what kitchen essentials are truly non‑negotiable. Elsewhere, there’s advice on rescuing overcooked vegetables (including bubble and squeak, pakoras and biryani) and a final look at the clothes and comforts that make cooking at home just that bit easier. Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: William Norton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

People in this episode

Host: Jay Rayner

Guests: Jeremy Pang, Sophie Wright, Melek Erdal, Jocky Petrie

Topics covered

  • cooking tips
  • listener questions
  • kitchen design
  • food creativity
  • overcooked vegetables

Keywords

  • cooking
  • leftover chocolate
  • kitchen essentials
  • food side effects
  • creative recipes

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Bounty bars, coconut‑infused vodka, homemade fudge, herring roes, sardines in tomato sauce, bubble and squeak, pakoras, biryani, Jerusalem artichokes

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