Rachel Allen (1) (1972–)

Rachel is the daughter in law of Tim and Darina Allen. Darina started the cookery school at Ballymalloe in 1983 (www.cookingisfun.ie) whilst her mother in law, Myrtle, continued to run the restaurant. Tim Allen had, by then, taken over the working farm from his father, Ivan. Rachel, is now also a very successful member of the cookery school and a TV chef and author. Note the title does not just refer to bread and cakes type baking, but anything done in the oven, so there are casseroles, etc. as well. This book has some wonderful recipes - the Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic is not an original idea but this is an excellent version.… (more)

Favorite Food at Home is a gorgeous cookbook, full of full page illustrations and simple yet sophisticated recipes. Most of the recipes are simple and straight forward with ingredients that are easy to find, yet the recipes often have an unexpected international flair or unusual touch that makes the special.

I made several recipes from this cookbook starting with Duck, Lentil, and Cabbage Salad. The lentils, cabbage, duck, hazelnuts, and chile made for an unusual but delicious combination. For a salad with only 8 ingredients it had an impressive depth of flavor and texture. This is a great company dish that I will make again.

Next I made Banana and Peanut Butter Muffins. Wow! I make a lot of muffin recipes and this is one of the best! Great texture and flavor, and they rose to beautiful crowns on the top. I ate them with Rhubarb and Ginger Jam, another winner from this cookbook.

Winter Vegetable Broth with White Beans and Chorizo was another easy to make, delicious recipe and the addition of chorizo really makes it something special.

Am I raving about all the recipes? Yes! Everything I made from this cookbook was something I will make again. Favorite Food at Home now claims a front and center spot in my kitchen. I only hope that William Morrow publishes Rachel Allen's next cookbook in the US.… (more)