Allen joins Michael Joseph for latest cookbook

Penguin Michael Joseph has acquired Soup Broth Bread by Irish chef and cookery author Rachel Allen. 

Allen's 15th cookbook, Soup Broth Bread will be "packed with the skills and expertise that made Allen famous". It will be accessible for home cooks of every level and feature recipes for all seasons and occasions, including soups, broths, homemade breads, garnishes and stocks. There will also be tips on equipment, batch-cooking, freezing and presentation.

Ione Walder, editorial director, bought world rights from Jenny Heller at Robertson Murray Literary Agency. Soup Broth Bread will be published on 21st October 2021 and will be accompanied by a "major" publicity and marketing campaign that will relaunch the author as a leading cookery brand, says the publisher. 

Walder said: "I’m delighted that Rachel is joining PMJ for her next cookbook. With Soup Broth Bread, we want to remind readers of Rachel’s incredible cookery expertise and teaching skills honed over years at the renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School. Filled with her know-how, wisdom, tips and advice, alongside every recipe you could ever want for soup, and delivered in Rachel’s accessible style, this will be a love-letter to the world’s most ubiquitous and comforting dish."

Allen commented: "I am so excited and thrilled about my new cookery book, which is being published by the hugely talented crew at Michael Joseph. I am an avid soup, broth and bread maker and believe that they are foods that everyone should know how to make to feed themselves. I have loved every minute of delving into all things soup, broth and bread and have really enjoyed drawing on my teaching and my travels for inspiration to bring a book that tells the story of some of the most important food in the world."

Allen teaches at the Ballymaloe Cookery School in County Cork and her most recent cookbook is Home Baking (HarperCollins, 2017).