This much I know: Rachel Allen

“Start with the best ingredients and the dishes will almost prepare themselves.”

I always remember my mother-in-law, Darina Allen, saying that to me when I first started in Ballymaloe back in Jan 1990. It’s the best piece of advice I’ve ever received, and something that I would pass on to any aspiring chef.

The trait I most admire in others is loyalty.

I loved baking from a very young age, especially cakes and biscuits, but never thought I would make a career out of it. My sister and I used to pretend to be on TV, but I didn’t actually think it would become a reality.

My guilty pleasure is a gin and tonic with a bag of crisps. I often just have the one so it would need to have a bit of a kick and the crisps would have to be Keogh’s or O’Donnell’s, delicious Irish crisps.

My first paid job was working in my mother’s clothes shop, it was a great experience that stood to me and I loved earning my own money at such a young age.

I have become more health conscious in recent years, realising that I need to do a little more exercise to stay fit, but I am particularly conscious of the food I eat and the origin of the food. As I get older I know the importance of food and the wonders it can do for the body.

My top beauty tip is to drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep. The former I do with ease, the latter not so much. And to smile!

My worst habit is biting my nails. My poor cuticles must despise me.

I’d love to cook for Nigel Slater, I adore his style of cooking and he seems like a lot of fun.

My earliest memory of cooking is helping my mother bake with my sister, standing on the kitchen chairs leaning against the worktop and arguing about who would earn the noble task of licking the wooden spoon clean once our mother was finished.

If I won the Lotto I would have to take some time to get my head around the situation and get my ducks in row. I think I would then take my family on a wonderful three month holiday around the world and arrange to meet our family and friends in an exotic location on the way home.

I’ve always loved shoes, so If I wasn’t doing this job, maybe I would be a shoe designer, or perhaps something to with the arts or drama. Also, I’ve always wanted to pursue my interest in nutrition. Perhaps I will study it some day, when I have a little more time.

My biggest influence has been my parents for the way they effortlessly juggled excellent parenting and busy careers and lifestyles. In terms of my career, I would have to say my mother-in-law, who is not only influential but inspiring.

The view from my house over Ballycotton Bay has to one of the most spectacular places in the world, I only wish I had more time to enjoy it.

I go to the gym as much as I can with a group of people which makes it more fun, as it’s almost like a social outing, and I run with one friend regularly. It’s great to forget about everything except the landscape flying past you.

I spend most money on ingredients and food. Although I do like to indulge in cashmere cardigans and scarves from Irish designer, Lucy Downes of Sphere One. I’m wearing one of her scarves today. These are pieces for life. Actually, she would be someone I would pay a visit to after I won the Lotto!

Rachel is a member of Euro-toques Ireland, their Young Chef of the Year Competition is looking for chefs aged between 18-26 years.