My husband volunteered to cook the Xmas Day meal 30+ years ago and a jolly good job he makes of it too. He says that the method of cooking the turkey is based upon a Delia Xmas Special around that time, although the method seems rather unconventional. The "tented" foil wrapped turkey sits in a roasting tin on a platter, above hot water, so it sort of steam roasts as it were. I am intrigued to know whether this method was indeed one of yours.

Hi Delia I am trying your christmas pudding for the first time but don't have a steamer. Is there any way i can do it in my slow cooker???or should i invest in a good steamer??
please help

Delia, I always have a problem knowing what to ask for for Christmas and this year is no exception. What will be at the top of your wish list for Christmas.... food or otherwise?

Honey :-x

Hi you mention that you have found some great saucepans with titanium non-stick, I would like to investigate further as I am looking to purchase a decent set for life, I am fed up with all the rubbish ones I have had so far! so it's time to spend some good money on a set,can you tell me who they are made by, or is that considered advertising?

How long do mince pies last in airtight container

Will you be having Christmas lunch at home or will you be dining out this year?

Delia, do you have any cures for over indulgence, eg. indigestion and hangovers!

Hi Delia

I made your mincemeat 2 years ago and still have an unopened jar in the cupboard. Will it be okay to make my mince pies for this year.
Many thanks.

Lentil
x

I'm cooking goose for christmas dinner for the first time this year. Any tips? What are the best vegetables to serve with it?

in your Christmas cookery book there is a recipe for vanilla bean ice-cream & sultanas in Pedo Ximenez Sherry, what other sherry could be used?

Hi Delia,
First thanks for the inspiration over the years that have made cooking such a pleasure.

Second. The ALL important Turkey. Last year i tried a new way of carving. Instead of the traditional slice downwards, i took the breast off of the bone and sliced across. This was due to hearing that the tastier cuts are always next to the bone. It worked a treat, however i was would like your opinion

Thanks as ever

I feel very inspired to make your mincemeat recipe for the first time this weekend (you have never let me down!)- how can I make it more diabetic friendly?
Thanks Delia
Donna

It would be really nice to have a cookery book to celebrate your 40 years maybe containing your favourite recipes. Perhaps to coincide with your tv programmes in Jan 2010.

How do you stay so slim, Delia? I bet you don't eat all those lovely chocolatey puddings!

I am allergic to prawns, is there a subsitute I can use in fish pies?

Have you thought about including suggestions of wine with your recipes?Would be good.

I have neen making cakes for many years but recently I have been finding that although the cakes are fine. When I try to cut them the slices are very crumbly. This happens with all different recipes and tins . I wonder if you can give me some ideas where I am going wrong. Barney

American fan from NY here and new to cooking. I keep burning my pots when browning onions and veggies - for a gas stove - what do you suggest cooking on?

Can you recommend a pork-free stuffing to serve with my chrstmas turkey. I usually use your the 18th century chestnut stuffing recipe and wonder if turkey or lamb sausage meat can be sustituted for the pork?

I want to make mincemeat in Malaga for family and friends Xmas tapas. Bramley apples are non-existent, so please can you recommend another variety?As far as I can see at present,

Can you always use dried herbs instead of fresh? Thank you.

can one leave out the alcohol in the christmas cake recipe and what can be substituted for it?

Will Michael be making the gravy for your Christmas dinner, I hear he has quite a talent for it!

After recently buying your new Chrismas book, I have made piccalli - but note that you say this should be left for 8 weeks, mine will be 6 weeks old at Christmas, is that too soon to consume or will it be ok?

I would like to make a christening cake for my friend, which recipe would you suggest?
And which sugar do you use for your Christmas cake Dark soft brown sugar or light soft brown sugar?

Dear Delia,

Firstly i would like to say that i am a great fan of yours! You're just brilliant! I'm always on your website which very often makes me very hungry. Anyway thank you for your time and my question is the following:

i have been dating a Frenchman for a year now and as i'm sure you are well aware the French are somewhat picky about everything involving food and wine and well absolutely everything really! What can i cook him that will blow his socks off and finally stop him verbally abusing me regarding my cooking? And i promise you i'm very fastidious and can actually cook...but he really intimidates me when it comes to the kitchen and i have lost my confidence....

I do hope you can help me x

I always make your mincemeat, but am rubbish at pastry. Do you ever cheat and buy shortcrust or puff pastry?

Hi Delia...I did try and submit this question a few days ago, and not sure if it went through...so better safe than sorry...and I am sorry if I am repeating myself.

My question is - what would be your recipe for the ideal - and dare I say perfect - Christmas?

Thanks Delia

With Love,

Rob Carrick

I have been making your chocolate truffles and trying to dip them in melted chocolate but even though they are firm in the fridge they are not glossy and melt on the fingers. I have to make 500 chocolates for my daughter's wedding which will be in August and could be hot. I read about tempering chocolate and I tried to do this, melting until the chocolate was at 120 degrees F and then lowering it to 85 degrees but it made no difference. The only thing I haven't tried is adding ground nut oil to the chocolate for dipping which you suggest. What difference does this make? Also how long can you keep the truffles in the freezer?

Hi Delia,
How do you keep coming up with proven and exciting recipes after all this time, surely it must get harder and harder?

Obviously last year the cheat book included lots of products that were new to many people. Have you discovered any new products while writing the Christmas book and, if so, what were they?

Hi Delia

What do you suggest cooking as a vegetarian option for Christmas dinner? I have one to cater for in a group of 8.

Thank you.

Ros