Rachel Allen was brought up in Dublin and left home at eighteen 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.
Rachel is the author of four bestselling cookery books, which include Rachel’s Favourite Food at Home and Rachel’s Food for Living. Her extremely popular television series for RTE and the BBC have been broadcast internationally and she frequently appears on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen. Her charming manner and effortless style make her a delight to watch. Rachel is columnist and contributor to a number of Irish publications, including the The Sunday Tribune magazine, and is often featured in articles and interviews in the media.
Rachel’s style of cooking is above all practical – simple but delicious food, ideal for family and friends. Her influences are both regional and global. Rachel has a devoted fan base both in the UK and Ireland, and the popularity of her television programmes continues to rise.
Rachel lives in her seaside home in County Cork with her husband Isaac, sons Luka and Joshua and their dog Buddy.
How do you manage to juggle such a successful and busy career with motherhood? Any top tips?
I always find I operate much better if I’ve had eight hours sleep. Plus I do need to be organised. I love making lists.
Are your kids adventurous eaters or do you struggle like every other mum? Do you have any secret tips to get them to eat veggies and try new things?
They are pretty good eaters though they do have phases where they won’t eat cooked vegetables much so I tend to make a lot of soup (which is one thing they will eat) and serve it with soldiers to dip in. I also cut up raw vegetables for their lunchboxes or to snack on if they’re watching a movie – I remember being the same when I was younger. I much preferred crunchy, raw vegetables.
Are there any mums out there who really inspire you?
I’m constantly inspired by busy women, whether they are out working or at home with children. Life is busy and I think we handle it very well.
What’s your moto in life?
You won’t shine any brighter by blowing out someone else’s flame.
When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing with your sons?
We live about a 20 minute drive from Fota Wildlife Park, which they love, or going down to the beach at the end of the road. I also love baking with my children. There are lots of lovely wooded walks close to us in East Cork, Ireland. So we’ll bring our cake or buns that we made.
Who is your greatest inspiration in life?
My mum, she’s so wise.
Any top tips for mums who aren’t confident cooks?
Keep it simple. Learn a new recipe/skill/technique every week, such as how to make a simple vegetable soup, roast a chicken, stir fry or pasta dish and then build from there. Use as good produce as you can – you’ll notice the difference in flavour. Use your freezer as an extension of your store cupboard and make twice the soup, casserole, shepherd’s pie you need and then freeze the rest for when you’re stuck for time.
Rachel’s latest book Easy Meals is out now priced at £25.