Darina Allen

Darina Allen, the charismatic founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School and author of best-selling cookbooks, shares her culinary journey rooted in Ireland's rich traditions. She recounts formative family meals and pivotal moments that ignited her passion for cooking. The conversation also explores the growing appreciation for local ingredients and sustainable practices. Allen highlights her innovative teaching style and the importance of reconnecting with cooking and nature, all while leaving listeners with a delightful recipe for the Irish classic, Spotted Dog Railway Cake.

Darina Allen, chef and founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School, shares her love of simple, quality cooking. She recalls learning risotto from Marcella Hazan. She explains rice varieties, key techniques like coating rice in butter and ladle-by-ladle stock, stirring for creaminess, testing for slight bite, and using leftovers for arancini.