Rachel Allen Biography and latest books by Rachel Allen

Rachel Allen was born on March 21, 1972, in Dublin. She is an Irish celebrity chef, known widely for her work on television and as a writer.

Career as a chef

Allen went to the Ballymaloe Cookery School when she turned 18. After graduating from the school she cooked at the Ballymaloe House Hotel, eventually returning first to test recipes and then to teach at the school. She worked for a while as a caterer in Vancouver before returning again to teach at Ballymaloe.

In September 2004, RTE broadcast Allen’s first series in Ireland Rachel’s Favourite Food, which has also been broadcast in Australia, Italy, and elsewhere. A book, Rachel’s Favourite Food, accompanied the series, published by Gill & Macmillan. Two further TV series and books followed, Rachel’s Favourite Food for Friends and Rachel\'s Favourite Food At Home.

Allen is a frequent guest on BBC\'s Saturday Kitchen, and is one of the presenters on the Good Food Channel Market Kitchen show. In 2008, she was in a series called Rachel Allen: Bake! for RTE.

Allen has written for many Irish publications including three years on Irish lifestyle magazine Image and has a weekly column in The Sunday Tribune Magazine. She has also contributed to BBC Good Food magazine and AWT At Home magazine. Allen also designs a line of products for Tipperary Crystal, including crystal stemware, porcelain dinner sets, and kitchen/dining essentials.

Personal life

Allen, the daughter-in-law of television chef Darina Allen, lives at a seaside home in County Cork with her husband Isaac, and their three children.

Rachel Allen’s recent books

Entertaining at home (2010)

Entertaining at Home takes readers through all kinds of special meals, from relaxed curries on the sofa with friends to big buffets to feed a crowd. The book reveals how through a little extra planning, entertaining is not stressful, but enjoyable. The book has some delicious, achievable recipes for every ability and budget, lots of tips and creative ideas to make every meal a gift from you.

Home cooking (2009)

Bestselling TV cook Rachel Allen brings out recipes that even the fussiest eater will love. This book has a host of nourishing, delicious food recipes, clever hints and tips and, sections on meal planning, home freezing and healthy eating. The recipes in this section is divided into - Breakfast & Brunch -- Lunch -- Sunday Lunch -- Supper -- Snacks and treats -- Baby Food -- Desserts and Sweets.

Rachel\'s Food for living (2009)

Along with some mouthwatering recipes, Rachel Allen points out, in this book how food can be restorative, nurturing and emotionally fulfilling, along with being tasty. She points out how food can be interesting and tasty, irrespective of whether it is formalised or spontaneous.

Bake (2008)

In Bake Rachel has devised a collection of delicious and easy recipes, including cakes and bakes, tarts and pies, quiches and casseroles, all from her brand new TV series. Here she proves that baking is not just about cakes and cookies, by offering a wide range of yummy treats, both sweet and savoury. From beef and stout pie and lentil dahl to red velvet cake and Valentine\'s Day honey buns, the book includes ideas for all occasions from kitchen table suppers to very special celebrations.

Favourite Food at home (2008)

This beautifully illustrated cookbook offers the delicious, inspiring and easy-to-follow recipes for every occasion. So whether you are planning a simple family meal, hosting a festive dinner for the entire clan, squeezing in a sneaky romantic meal for two, heading out for a glorious picnic, chilling out on the sofa with your favourite comfort food, or spending time baking muffins with the kids, this one provides solutions for very occasion. Chapters include: Easy Family Food, Sweet Celebrations, Picnics and Days Out, Food for Children, Extended Family Meals, Dining Al Fresco, Home Cinema, Big Celebrations, Edible Gifts, Just Like Mum Used to Make.