Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | NXg | Friday Review | Cinema Plus | Young World | Property Plus | Quest |

Baking up a fresh batch

Food factor Rachel Allen

Rachel Allen has authored four bestselling cookery books, including ‘Rachel’s Favourite Food at Home’ and ‘Rachel’s Food for Living.’

She is also renowned for a range of popular television series that have been broadcast internationally. And, she is currently hosting ‘Rachel Allen: Bake,’ a show on Discovery Travel and Living.

Says Rachel: “I love baking. I used to bake cakes, biscuits and cookies with my siblings and mother, when I was growing up.”

On the show, Rachel presents essential baking skills and showcases the fun side of baking. She churns out quick snacks, wholesome breads and pies, exotic cakes and tarts or easy-baked meals and also offers troubleshooting techniques for common problems one may encounter in the kitchen. Talking about the show, Rachel says: “I will be whipping up many dishes in the course of the show. I shall also be travelling across the world and learning more about baked food products across the world, from street food to big hotels. This show manages to combine two of my favourite activities — eating and travelling.”

She feels that professional training, even in a discipline such as cooking, helps a great deal understanding the concept behind various preparations and provides a professional touch to most preparations. She says: “I learnt a lot and developed a keen interest in cooking during my stint at Ballymaloe Institute. I always wanted to be involved in a creative profession, when I grew up. Cooking happened by chance and has been a superb experience.” Rachel loves baking cakes and cookies a great deal. “When I was growing up, I was always interested in baking cookies with my sisters and other family members. I wanted to embark on a career in journalism, basically one a job that would involve a great deal of writing.”

Rachel does not divulge her favourite cuisines, but enjoys spicy chicken preparations and Goan vindaloo.

For those pursuing cooking as a serious option, Rachel contends: “Hard work and passion are the keys to a successful career in the field.”

‘Rachel Allen: Bake’ will be telecast on Discovery Travel and Living on Wednesdays at 10 p.m.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail