Delia's Christmas

[Hilary B]

Delia is the answer for those who missed out on learning to cook while young. Yes she has a style which many will find irritating, and her support of factory reared chicken doesn't appeal in the slightest (surely she can appreciate the 'less, but better quality' argument?) but she definitely has her place. I didn't dare try making mayonaise until I got her recipe (and being able to buy GOOD ready-made mayonaise is relatively recent).

[Brengirl]

I know a lot of people adore her and think she's great and all that - but I just don't like the woman. There's just something about her - can't put my finger on it.

But then, not everyone likes Jamie Oliver, and I think he's great.

Each to their own.

Most probably wouldn't want to be within arms length of you either. Each to his own like.
I can honestly say "I am a good cook" I am inspired by some celebrities but think others are just on a gravy train with gimmicks.
Don't be bound by rules. Experiment. I have been baking for 60 years and have only just made a 'perfect pastry'. If at first you don't succeed try, try and try again.

[wollyanna]

I was really looking forward to the programme because I must admit I do like her programmes and books but I thought OH had put a tape in to record and 1/2 way through he said oh dear I forgot about it. Does anyone know if its being repeated. Also how different is the New Christmas Book from the old one which I have.

[HeyWayne]

Most probably wouldn't want to be within arms length of you either. Each to his own like.

Er, isn't that kind of what I said.

[Jeanied]

Hi HW - there's an echo in here! (echo in here, echo in here)
I'll let you know when I've cooked some of the cheese straw things and cheesy biccies from her new book -in fact I'll open the oven door and waft the smell up the motorway! Recipes to die for! Oh, and a couple of Italian ones that look yummy.

[HeyWayne]

Hi HW - there's an echo in here! (echo in here, echo in here)
I'll let you know when I've cooked some of the cheese straw things and cheesy biccies from her new book -in fact I'll open the oven door and waft the smell up the motorway! Recipes to die for! Oh, and a couple of Italian ones that look yummy.

The only thing that my brother, sister and I remember with fond memories about my mums cooking is her cheese straws.

[Jeanied]

* Aah yes, we remember it well... Now you've got me reminiscing...
I just can't resist the savouries!! My mum couldn't cook - hence my earlier post. She hated it - and us kids for wanting food! Her mother, on the other hand, would cook little tasty thing just for us! (I still have Granny's recipe somewhere for cheesy tartlets).
*must resist the urge to go 'off thread' all the time*
Anyway, Delia - bossy and snooty notwithstanding - started me off on cooking from a very unpromising start to what I think, these days, is not so bad at all!

[rogesse]

Must say I agree with Hilary B n others, a godsend for all those not taught to cook. My mum had a condition where she couldn't have salt in her diet and as she reluctantly did all the cooking - we all suffered. OH's mum is pretty bad too so Delia's 'How to Cook' was called 'The Bible' in our house for some time. We get out our bashed and coverless copy to check timings occasionally (lets ask Delia) but the pupil must exceed the master and I find some of her recipes dry/overcooked (sorry)

[Brengirl]

Er, isn't that kind of what I said.

Sorry Wayne. My reply did sound a bit orf I admit. Not what I intended at all. Just trying to be a smartarse but sometimes it doesn't work. xx

[Jeanied]

I can honestly say "I am a good cook" I am inspired by some celebrities but think others are just on a gravy train with gimmicks.
Don't be bound by rules. Experiment. I have been baking for 60 years and have only just made a 'perfect pastry'. If at first you don't succeed try, try and try again.

Ooh, Brengirl - I'm looking forward to your recipes - a cook who can out-Delia Delia!! Fab!

[Jeanied]

Now we have the next cooking Diva on the box Nigella's Christmas Cooking - followed by Delia's Christmas (the first series) - when am I going to have time to a) sleep and b) cook?

[Brengirl]

When I really need confidence I use Margarite Pattern as the authority. I have most of the top name cookbooks and am amazed that when I need to know the ratio of one ingredient to another they all vary. Goes to show that domestic science was not written in stone but it is pure experimentation. The variables are the size of your oven, heat in the kitchen, materials use in the baking. Peoples tastebuds vary from day to day. How anyone puts a decent meal on the table defeats me. I believe you must get the recipients really hungry and you are half way there.

[OverWyreGrower]

I watched Delia back last night.... how utterly inadequate do I feel now???

Despite the fact we have reared our own turkeys this year; and have a freezer full of home-grown veg ready for Christmas Day; I feel totally rubbish cos I don't make (or eat!) mince pices, christmas pudding, christmas cake, bread sauce, cranberry sauce etc....

I have failed as a 'home-cook' - rubbish!!

[bluemoon]

I watched Delia back last night.... how utterly inadequate do I feel now???

Despite the fact we have reared our own turkeys this year; and have a freezer full of home-grown veg ready for Christmas Day; I feel totally rubbish cos I don't make (or eat!) mince pices, christmas pudding, christmas cake, bread sauce, cranberry sauce etc....

I have failed as a 'home-cook' - rubbish!!

WRONG!!!!! I don't care what Delia does to hers, yours will have far more flavour simply by being home reared and produced. you could cook it all in the most basic way possible and hers wouldn't be able to hold a candle to it. Would I rather be invited to Christmas Dinner by Delia or OWG? No contest, you don't need the sauces, it is full of flavour without them

[Alison]

Why would you want to make mince pies if you don't eat them? Personally I really like them and will make some nearer the time but there's plenty of time yet. Have Christmas cakes and puddings all done though and cranberries in the freezer ready to sauce (if I can use sauce as a verb?). Don't understand bread sauce, why would you want to. My nan always loved the stuff but I've kept well clear.