Rachel Allen

Rachel Allen's Cake Diaries is a series in which Rachel takes a personal look at how cakes can and do play a part in a life full of family and friends. Rachel reveals that cake is about so much more than the traditional celebrations we all recognise. Her "Diaries" reveal a myriad of life events - from the big family occasions through to coffee with friends - that can all be made so much more pleasurable with cake. Wherever you are, or whatever you're doing, Rachel reveals that there is a cake to suit the mood or the moment. It might be muffins, cupcakes, brownies or blondies, a show-stopping triple layer cake or a fool proof sponge.

Everybody wants to be able to throw the perfect dinner party, and in this stylish new series Rachel Allen will show viewers exactly how to do that. In each episode, a different group of people (friends or colleagues) will join Rachel in her studio kitchen for an exclusive dinner party. One of this group will act as Rachel's sous chef helping her prepare a mouth watering three course meal. They will have been nominated by the group because they are the most competitive dinner party host. Now they will have to really "up their game" and prove what an accomplished cook they are. This will be a unique opportunity for our apprentice and our guests to learn from one of cooking's most accessible teachers as to how to pull off the perfect dinner party!

From perfect meringues and tart tatin to quiche Lorraine and crusty bread, Rachel Allen explores the art of perfect baking. Along the way she also meets some of the country's top bakers and sweet makers including world class chocolatier William Curley.

The chef prepares a series of recipes designed to provide a boost of energy, including smoked salmon and lemon risotto with asparagus and easy arancini with creme fraiche herb sauce. She also demonstrates how to rustle up an indulgent dessert of chocolate mousse with salted caramel sauce and shortbread biscuits.