We talk to Irish chef Rachel Allen about her love for homegrown ingredients, and why breakfast in bed is the best surprise in the world.
Rachel Allen was brought up in Dublin and left home at 18 to study at the world-famous Ballymaloe Cookery School. Rachel is now a busy TV chef, author, journalist and mother, and still teaches at Ballymaloe. We caught up with her to chat about everything from breakfast in bed to eggs and the Emerald Isle.
Can you describe your cooking style?
“I’d say it’s all about practicality – simple but delicious food, which is totally fuss free. We’re all so busy these days, whether it’s a school run or checking emails. There’s always a distraction. Taking a moment out to enjoy something delicious, which hasn’t cost the earth or taken hours to create, is one of life’s greatest pleasures.”
What’s the key to creativity in the kitchen?
“Experimenting with whatever is seasonal. Be organic with your cooking and don’t be afraid to try new flavours. At this time of year I love wild garlic, asparagus and Jersey Royals. I’m also really looking forward to delving into an array of authentic ingredients on offer at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival, which I’ll be cooking at soon!"
Who do you like to cook for most?
"I love cooking for friends and family – they’re often easy to please."
Where do you eat out?
"My favourite pastime is exploring local food markets, wandering from stall to stall and grazing as I go. At home in Ireland we have such green pastures, which are ideal for growing fantastic produce – our Farmers Markets and food fairs are fit to burst."
What's your favourite fail-safe ingredient?
"We eat a lot of eggs – they’re my idea of fast food, except they’re nutritious. I couldn’t live without fresh ones every day, so luckily our house is on part of the farm at Ballymaloe and we have a big run for our hens. We used to let them roam the house until they got a little too comfortable: they’d insist on going to the loo right inside the front door and one made herself at home on our bed."
Do you have a favourite food shop?
"Although not technically a shop, I’d say our garden. We live on a large farm and I’m never happier than when foraging in the fields. We grow quite a bit of fruit and veg and have an orchard of apple and pear trees so I’m completely spoilt."
And a favourite food destination?
"As an Irish girl born and bred, without question it has to be Ireland. All that I have ever learnt about cooking has come from my mother’s kitchen or my Irish cookery school. My roots still lie here in Ireland and County Cork has become home for me and my family."
What has been your fondest memory so far?
"I’m probably cheating slightly for this one as I have three. The births of our three children: Josh, 14; Luka, 12, and our daughter Scarlett, 5. It’s probably the answer every mother gives, but each was a truly magical moment in my life and something that changed my world forever. I shared each one with my wonderful husband Isaac."
What’s the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?
"In life, often the smallest things mean the most. The loveliest surprise in the morning is being woken up by one of my children with breakfast in bed. If they’ve got the morning papers then that’s even better."
And finally, what will you be doing at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival?
"I’ll be giving a masterclass in the cookery theatre, and will be joined by BBC’s The One Show gardener Christine Walkden. Christine will surprise me with mystery ingredients from which we will rustle up something really delicious. The bit I’m most looking forward to is when the tables are turned and Christine gives me a lesson in floral arrangements. I think this will be really funny as I’m not naturally one for gardening. Give me puff pastry over a Petunia any day!"
Rachel Allen can be seen at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival on 8th-11th May. Tickets are on sale now, priced from £14.50 for RHS/TCAS members, £15.50 for non-members. Tickets will also be available on the gate from £18. For more information please visit www.threecounties/rhsmalvern
Why not try a Rachel Allen recipe tonight?
Rachel Allen's ginger snaps recipe
Rachel Allen's sole a la meuniere recipe
Rachel Allen's chicken open-pot roast recipe
Rachel Allen's chocolate and banana bread recipe
Rachel Allen's apple and raisin honey squares recipe
Rachel Allen's chocolate, toffee and peanut squares recipe
Rachel Allen's smoked sausage, bean and vegetable soup recipe