In a stunning break from tradition, British cooking icon Delia Smith has announced she will not be preparing Christmas dinner this year—for the first time in an astonishing 52 years. The 83-year-old culinary legend, who has been dishing out festive feasts and trusty turkey tips for over half a century, is finally hanging up her apron and putting her feet up this holiday season.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4, Smith revealed her exciting plans from her idyllic Suffolk home: “In 52 years, this will be the first year I’m not doing it. I’m so excited. I’m going to my nephew and his wife for Christmas lunch, they live in Norfolk, so I’m really happy about that.” One can only imagine the pressure of preparing Christmas dinner for the domestic goddess who literally wrote the book on how to cook the perfect holiday meal.
Passing the Culinary Torch
While Smith is thrilled to be taking a much-deserved break, inquiring minds want to know: Just how long will her relatives parboil the potatoes before roasting them to crispy perfection? Will they dare to attempt Delia’s signature “pigs in blankets,” or play it safe with a more understated sausage? The suspense is almost too much to bear. But Smith assures us her nephew and niece are more than up to the task, noting they are not “terrified” in the least to be cooking for culinary royalty.
Delia’s Delightful Delegation
Ever the gracious guest, Smith won’t be showing up empty-handed. She plans to contribute a few of her famous Christmas treats, including her unparalleled mince pies. And true to form, she couldn’t resist sharing a bit of sage seasonal advice from her lush vegetable garden: “If you’re a cook, you don’t eat sprouts until after the first frost, because you get more flavour. Same with parsnips.” Words to live by, indeed.
In 52 years, this will be the first year I’m not doing it. I’m so excited.
Delia Smith on taking a break from cooking Christmas dinner
The End of an Era?
Smith’s step back from the Christmas kitchen marks the end of an impressive era. Her cookery books have sold over 21.5 million copies worldwide, with her Complete Cookery Course ranking third on the Sunday Times’s all-time bestseller list. For generations of home cooks, Delia has been the guiding light through every culinary crisis and fiddly festive conundrum.
But even the most dedicated chefs need a holiday sometimes. After decades of meticulously planning every last detail of Christmas dinner, from the perfectly crisp roast potatoes to the lusciously smooth brandy butter, perhaps it’s time for Delia to sit back, pour herself a well-deserved sherry, and let someone else baste the turkey for a change.
Passing the Gravy Boat
As Smith savors a Christmas dinner she didn’t have to slave over herself, one thing is certain: Her culinary legacy will live on in kitchens across Britain and beyond. Generations of cooks have relied on her foolproof recipes, sage advice, and reassuring presence to guide them through the daunting task of preparing a flawless festive spread.
So this year, as countless home chefs nervously check their turkeys and fret over their crispy roast potatoes, they can take comfort in knowing that somewhere in Norfolk, Delia Smith is doing the same—but this time, as a grateful and no doubt delighted guest. Bon appétit, Delia!
