Food and friends

STAYING in is the new going out - whether it’s a gossipy night in, afternoon tea or a spicy curry night, it’s fun and cool to cook.

Rachel Allen’s new series, Favourite Food for Friends, is now showing on RTÉ. Since her first series last year she has built up a fan club of all ages, from toddlers to grandparents. Her easy style has won her viewers who wouldn’t normally be caught dead watching a cookery programme.

This time she’s got masses of new ideas - Want to have a romantic dinner for two? Need to impress your mother-in-law or your boss? It’s your turn to host the family Christmas dinner? Asked friends around for a barbecue and its going to rain? It’s midweek, you’ve been working all day, but you’ve got people coming to dinner?

Rachel has lots of easy tasty recipes to munch on while you gossip.

She also includes some great cocktails - including the naughtily named fruity Flirtini, Grenadine Goddess or a delicious rosé cocktail.

Rachel’s many fans will be delighted with her plethora of new recipes which emphasise her simple stress-free outlook on cooking and entertaining.

Rachel’s Favourite Food for Friends, by Rachel Allen, published by Gill & Macmillan, €19.99.