Inés Ballester

Inés Ballester (Burriana, 1958) is a well-known figure in Spanish radio and television, with more than three decades of experience as a journalist from Castellón. Having consolidated her career on programmes such as Por la mañana and Cine de barrio, she became one of the most recognisable faces on TVE. She has since become renowned for her ability to blend current affairs with entertainment. She has now returned to her roots to present En casa d’Inés on À Punt, in which she chats with prominent regional and national figures.

Here are her 'five favourites':

BREAD

To me, bread is sacred. I’ll eat it with almost anything, but not just any loaf will do. I’m particularly fond of pan de agua (literally 'water bread'), which has won me over completely with its perfect balance of a crispy crust and a soft, flavourful crumb. I usually buy several baguettes at a time and freeze them, so that I always have some to hand. It's a staple that should never be missing from my table. 

CURED HAM

I’m a firm supporter of local produce, and a good acorn-fed Iberian ham or beautifully cured lomo is a must-have luxury. I adore the authentic flavour and natural marbling that simply melts in the mouth. It's the kind of product that can save the day when friends drop by for supper, or instantly lift your spirits, so it always has a reserved spot in my shopping basket. 

FISH

When I'm at the fish counter, I look for the same things as everyone else: trust and absolute freshness. As a big fan of fish, I’m happy to take the fishmonger’s advice on what's best that day. Buying fresh, traditional produce and having it cleaned and prepared according to your recipe is a small luxury that makes all the difference.

MEAT

I’m quite particular when it comes to meat, especially Galician beef. For me, the secret lies in the detail: it must be freshly cut to my liking and never pre-packaged. The colour and texture of meat cut to order are essential for a truly good dish. 

MEAT

I’ve recently become a real devotee of kefir. It's such a wholesome product and is widely recommended for its benefits to gut health and the immune system. You can genuinely tell the difference. It's the perfect choice for breakfast or a light dessert: easy to digest, refreshing, and wonderfully satisfying.