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Delia's How to Cook
Delia's How to Cook: Book One
In this simple-to-follow cookery course for people of all ages and abilities, Delia returns to the very roots of cooking to look at the techniques and the staple ingredients which underline the best traditions of British cookery. Delia sees it as an answer to an urgent need. There are more recipes than ever on television and yet it seems that many of us have forgotten how to put together a wholesome, nutritious meal that doesn't come ready-made in a packet. Delia is convinced from the questions she receives that people are no longer handed down the basics. In a world where people have less time than ever, they feel intimidated by the thought of cooking. How to Cook: Book One covers the staple ingredients which form the basis of the worlds foods - rice, flour, potatoes, pasta, and eggs. With her unique powers of communication Delia removes the fear and mystique from cooking both the simplest and quickest and the more advanced dishes with these essential tools of the trade. Perfect sponge cakes, fail-safe pastry, and Delia's guide to the Great British Breakfast rub shoulders with an everlasting souffle and tempura prawns. For the health conscious there are chips that you don't have to fry and Delia's amazing no-fat white sauce. And, if you can't even boil an egg, Delia will show you how to do that as well, in this complete guide to cookery for the 21st century.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1998
5 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Delia Smith
115Ìýbooks34ÌýfollowersDelia Smith CBE is an English cook and television presenter, known for teaching basic cookery skills in a no-nonsense style. She is the UK's best-selling cookery author, with more than 21 million copies sold.
Smith is also famous for her role as joint majority shareholder at Norwich City F.C. Her partner in the shareholding is her husband, Michael Wynn-Jones. Her role at the club has attracted varying media attention, from positive when she "saved" the club from bankruptcy, to negative, when making a controversial on-pitch announcement in 2005.
Already an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), Smith was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2009 Birthday Honours, "in recognition of ... [her] contribution to television cookery and recipe writing".
Smith is also famous for her role as joint majority shareholder at Norwich City F.C. Her partner in the shareholding is her husband, Michael Wynn-Jones. Her role at the club has attracted varying media attention, from positive when she "saved" the club from bankruptcy, to negative, when making a controversial on-pitch announcement in 2005.
Already an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), Smith was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2009 Birthday Honours, "in recognition of ... [her] contribution to television cookery and recipe writing".
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 2, 2012
I was given this when I first left home. I opened it, saw that it told you how to boil an egg and decided that I didn't need to read it. I do occasionally cook the toad in the hole recipe in here, and the egg custard, but I'm certain those are the only things I've ever pulled it off my shelf for.
If my experience of those two recipes is anything to go by, this is more of an instruction manual than a course. By following recipes precisely you will get good results but it will probably not make you a confident cook.
If my experience of those two recipes is anything to go by, this is more of an instruction manual than a course. By following recipes precisely you will get good results but it will probably not make you a confident cook.
November 13, 2009
Taught me how to soft boil an egg - worth buying just for that.
August 18, 2012
As much as I dislike Delias approach to cooking, this book is excellent to start off with the basics
October 16, 2012
Excellent, this book helped me with the science of cooking.
August 26, 2013
Basic,does what it says.
January 8, 2015
A classic of English cooking. Easy instructions, nice pictures. I wish she still did cooking shows.
June 1, 2022
This 3-book series was my grounding in finding my passion for cooking. Recepes are pretty much full-proof (which was and still is a God send). The series is no idiots guide to cooking but it allows you to build up experience with a confidence to tackle some of the more complicated dishes. Early stages of learning how to cook can either make or break a student, whatever the age. Although dated now, this series of books will always be a good bet to boost confidence unlike any other I have come across.
Inherited from my mother, her educator was Elizabeth David and I adopted her as well. My library has since grown to well over 100 cook books from famous chefs to talented cooks from all over the world covering a huge diversity of styles and tastes. I've been a chef and am now a simple home creative cook, stealing ideas and modifying recepes as the mood takes me, but I have to admit that I owe everything to the start that Delia Smith gave me.
Inherited from my mother, her educator was Elizabeth David and I adopted her as well. My library has since grown to well over 100 cook books from famous chefs to talented cooks from all over the world covering a huge diversity of styles and tastes. I've been a chef and am now a simple home creative cook, stealing ideas and modifying recepes as the mood takes me, but I have to admit that I owe everything to the start that Delia Smith gave me.
May 21, 2024
Great foundational resource for beginner cooks. There's no surprises for more experienced cooks, but it's a good quick reference re particular ingredients/common recipes.
This would be a great cultural resource for those unfamiliar with English cuisine, as there's a broad selection of food types. There's popular home-style dishes (including ones that incorporate leftovers, such as bubble and squeak); classic breads and cakes; puddings/desserts; jams and chutneys; and even a handy list of common British cheeses.
This would be a great cultural resource for those unfamiliar with English cuisine, as there's a broad selection of food types. There's popular home-style dishes (including ones that incorporate leftovers, such as bubble and squeak); classic breads and cakes; puddings/desserts; jams and chutneys; and even a handy list of common British cheeses.
February 22, 2019
A phenomenal book for those who are passionate and patient. Have learned lot from this book.
February 24, 2021
This book taught me how to cook.
Job done.
Job done.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
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