Delia Smith.

Delia Smith still wants to teach people to cook, she tells TV audience

David Bale Friday, March 1, 2013
9:03 AM

Norwich City majority shareholder Delia Smith may have called time on her television career – but she told a TV audience that she still wants to teach people how to cook.

And she’s now focusing on helping young people learn as part of her online cookery class.

The cook, who first appeared on television more than 40 years ago and whose cookery books have sold more than 20 million copies, appeared on BBC1’s One Show last night, and told hosts Matt Baker and Zoe Ball that she thinks she has finally learned how to teach people to cook.

She said: “I have now found the best way to do it – online. I might finally have cracked how to do it.

“Young people are afraid to cook, and I want them to know how. They can now learn online anywhere in the world.”

Her first cookery lesson online is how to make a classic sponge cake, which she said she tested on a six-year-old, who was very proud of being able to make it.

She also discussed a new edition of her classic book on cakes, and said: “The new edition is aligned with my online cookery school. One quarter of the country don’t have computers, so we need books. I want to attract young people. If I can get them on sweet things, such as cakes, I will be able to teach them more.”

She’s given up her TV work, she said, because she cannot entertain and show people how to cook at the same time. Later, when a clip from one of her early TV appearances was shown, she admitted she had been very nervous at the start, but added that at least the music was very cool.

What do you think of Delia’s decision to call time on her TV career? Email eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk

3 comments

I virtually grew up learning how to cook with Delia Smith, I remember her 'book of cakes', when it was first released in 1977. Since that time, I have had numerous versions of it over the years - however I have to admit the first edition, is of particular sentimental value to me<a href="http:deliascakes.net">.<a>. The enduring appeal of this 'classic', has ensured that it has remained in prints ever since it's first publication 36 years ago. To even just open the book, evokes memories of long, blissfully happy hours with my Mum, the gorgeous smell of cinammon, wafting in the air. MyMother and I lovingly recreating these sumptious cake recipes, that Delia had so kindly gifted to us all. I'm saddened that she is to call time on her TV career, however I feel that her online venture will be a huge success - Good on you Delia!

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leahmadison

Friday, March 1, 2013
I virtually grew up learning how to cook with Delia Smith, I remember her 'book of cakes', when it was first released in 1977. Since that time, I have had numerous versions of it over the years - however I have to admit the first edition, is of particular sentimental value to me<a href="http:deliascakes.net">.<a>. The enduring appeal of this 'classic', has ensured that it has remained in prints ever since it's first publication 36 years ago. To even just open the book, evokes memories of long, blissfully happy hours with my Mum, the gorgeous smell of cinammon, wafting in the air. MyMother and I lovingly recreating these sumptious cake recipes, that Delia had so kindly gifted to us all. I'm saddened that she is to call time on her TV career, however I feel that her online venture will be a huge success - Good on you Delia!

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leahmadison

Friday, March 1, 2013
What? And leave the coquettish titillation to Nigella?

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Mr Cameron Isaliar

Friday, March 1, 2013

Delia Smith still wants to teach people to cook, she tells TV audience

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