The Food Programme: Food and Magic
30 October 2026

The Food Programme
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 none other than the ultimate culinary genius that is Heston Blumenthal
See all episodes from The Food Programme (1051)