Rachel Allen dishes on desserts

Brought up in Dublin and trained at the world-famous Ballymaloe Cookery School, Allen, who now teaches at her alma mater, has forged a reputation as a top TV chef and cookbook author. Her popular television series like Rachel’s Favourite Food and Rachel Allen’s Cake Diaries have been broadcast internationally and some of her bestselling titles include Rachel's Food for Living. epicure caught up with Allen when she was in town recently to conduct a masterclass and promote her new show, All Things Sweet.

epicure: Is this the first time you're in Singapore?
Rachel Allen: No, I’ve actually been here a few times before! Five or six times. The last time I was here was a year and a half ago.

We trust you’ve tried the food here. What are some of your favourite local dishes?
Oh, I love chicken rice – it’s fantastic. I’ve also tried and love ginger pork. And I find chilli crab too hard to resist, along with black pepper crab!

Since you’re a dessert specialist, what are some of the local desserts you’ve tried?
Oh I’ve tried gula melaka and red bean soup. I love red bean soup!

What do you think is distinct about Irish desserts?
We have very good dairy in Ireland, so Irish desserts tend to be characteristically rich and creamy.

What are some of the more interesting desserts you’ve come across during your travels?
Oh that’s a hard one. I just like most desserts – I really do!

Have you tried durian pastries here before?
Durian, the fruit? No, but I don’t think I mind at all. I hear durians are not allowed on public transport, but I definitely want to try them.

You will be hosting a new show, All Things Sweet, among others. What are some of the desserts that you plan to feature on the show?
The types of desserts I showcase, I really try to have something in there for everyone in terms of capabilities cooking-wise. I love it when people come up to me and say, “I watch your shows and they really taught me how to cook”, so I try to hold their hands in the kitchen and guide them through the recipes properly. But I also try to have some stuff in there that is a bit more challenging for the more aspiring cook. And I’m quite indecisive as person, so one day I’m hankering for something that’s fresh and light and zingy, and the next I want something rich and creamy and indulgent. So there will be all sorts of desserts featured on the show.

What’s an ingredient that helps make desserts better?
Oh, butter. Especially Irish butter.

Favourite comfort food?
My favourite comfort food might be chicken rice, at least in Singapore. It’s pretty much always chicken of some sort. If it’s at home, it’s roast chicken. But here it’s chicken rice.

Biggest guilty pleasure?
Oh, I don’t really have the guilt gene. It’s a waste of time and emotions to feel guilty over food. Enjoy it, you don’t have to go overboard – but enjoy it. I believe everything in moderation is key.

Most hated kitchen task?
Definitely washing up.

Catch Rachel Allen’s All Things Sweet every Friday at 7.10pm on Starhub Channel 432.