Letter: Don't knock Delia

From Mrs Sian L. Forbes

Sir: How dare Rose Shepherd cast such a slur upon Delia Smith ("Delia runs wild in the bookshop", 17 October)? Saint Delia, as she is known among my friends and relatives, provides her followers with more than merely safe "English" cooking. Her recipes are diverse, tasty, interesting and often exciting.

It is the fact that she takes time to explain exactly how to do something which sets her apart from the rest and makes her a firm favourite with novice and expert cooks alike. She takes the fear out of cooking, not the excitement.

One small complaint only, I've never yet mastered the Lemon Surprise Pudding - any advice?

Yours faithfully,

S. L. Forbes

Birmingham