Poppy O'Toole shares her life in food, from her earliest memories to her favourite flavours and culinary inspirations.
Poppy O’Toole is a Michelin-trained chef, author of three cookbooks, and a self-professed potato queen. On TikTok and Instagram, Poppy is more commonly known by her handle, @poppy_cooks, having amassed an audience of over 4 million and counting for her educational and entertaining videos. Here, she shares her life in food…
What are your earliest memories of food?
My nan was a massive foodie, so my earliest memories of food are begging her to make a mini Sunday roast with me using a poussin, chantenay carrots and baby potatoes.
How would you describe your relationship with food?
Unhealthily good. It’s all I think about it morning, noon and night. I just get so much joy from cooking and eating and it’s a world that’s never ending. There is so much food I haven’t even tried yet!
What was the first meal you learned to cook?
It was probably an omelette. I had a stage when I was younger that I was just obsessed with ham and cheese omelettes.
How did food become a part of your career?
I just loved eating so much I knew I had to be near a kitchen to get more food!
What’s your go-to breakfast?
As the potato queen it has to beat a hash brown, topped with a poached egg and mango chutney. Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it.
If you’re impressing friends and family at a dinner party, what are you serving up?
I love me a paella, it’s so good to make for a crowd — cheap and filling. And then finishing with Eton mess. Again, so easy and crowd pleasing.
Who is your culinary inspiration?
Is it cheesy to say my nan and my mom? They have just always made delicious food that I wanted to recreate and make my own.
What would your last meal on earth be?
My fiancé’s spag bol! God knows what he puts in it, but it’s bloomin’ gorgeous.
What’s your go-to comfort food?
Slow-cooked beef bourguignon, creamy mash, and crusty, buttered bread. And of course just potatoes in general.
What’s the go-to quick meal you cook when you’re tired and hungry?
I love a quick fried rice, microwave rice (I know, but it’s so easy), and a quick fridge raid. All in, it’s 10 minutes max.
What is one food or flavour you cannot stand?
Jelly! I want to love jelly so much but the texture is just wrong. I’m trying though because I feel like I’m missing out. All I want is a trifle.
Hangover cure?
Full fat Coke and a coronation chicken sandwich. Oh, and a milkshake.
Sweet or savoury?
Savoury, I think.
Fine dining or pub grub?
Pub grub.
Go-to beverage accompaniment?
Pork scratchings.
What’s your favourite thing about cooking?
Being able to show people how much I care for them. You’ll know from my cooking if I like you.
What does food — sitting down to a meal with friends, mindfully preparing a meal, nourishment, etc — mean to you?
It means love, togetherness and sharing. If someone cooks for me or I cook for them, it’s like a silent conversation of thankfulness.
Chef’s kiss — Tell us about one standout foodie experience you’ve had recently.
I was walking the dogs near where I live in the West Midlands and came across a little pub and it served the biggest and best loaded hot sandwiches. Proper food!
Compliments to the chef — Now’s your chance to sing the praises of a talented chef, beloved restaurant or particularly talented foodie family member.
I have to say my little sister Trixie is an amazing baker, her cookie dough is the dogs!
Secret ingredient — What, in your estimation, makes the perfect dining experience?
Atmosphere! If I go somewhere and the food is good but not outstanding, then the atmosphere can still make the experience 10 out of 10!
The Actually Delicious Slower Cooker Cookbook by Poppy O’Toole (Bloomsbury, €24.99) is on sale now.
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