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Q&A's? We are here to help. We being Delia and Lindsey. We work closely together and can answer any queries you have relating to Delia's recipes and our online Cookery School. Why not ask a question right now? What we can't do though, is answer questions about other recipes. (For general website queries or technical questions please click here)

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Questions

Chocolate 'Surprise' Cup Cakes

Asked by: Steinway485

I'm planning to make the Chocolate Surprise Cupcakes. I'm assuming that the mashed potato should have no other ingredients i.e. no milk, butter, salt, or pepper. Right?

Answered by Lindsey: Hello Steinway, For the Chocolate 'Surprise" Cup Cakes, you can use fresh or frozen mashed potatoes (defrosted), with or without milk, butter and salt, but no pepper. Best wishes Lindsey

Red Onion and Goats' Cheese Tart

Asked by: Jennifer Murray

Can I use caramelised onions in a jar to make onion tart? It has vinigar and other ingredients in it.

Answered by Lindsey: Hello Jennifer, Delia has a cheat version of the Caramelised Balsamic and Red Onion Tarts with Goats' Cheese, called Red Onion and Goat’s Cheese Tart so yes the jar of caramelised onions will make a good ‘How to Cheat’ substitute. Best wishes Lindsey

Victoria Sponge

Asked by: maddy.yokling

When making the all in one Victoria sponge, my cake mixture bubbles up and goes flat in the oven. Why does it do this?

Answered by Lindsey: Hello Maddy, It could be that your oven is running too high. An oven thermometer is an inexpensive and useful gadget. Or, might you be cooking with the oven set on fan? If you are, you could try baking your next sponge using conventional top and bottom heat. If you only have a fan option you should reduce the oven temperature by 20 degrees. If you haven’t already done so, you might like to look at our Cookery School Lesson on Sponge Cake. Best wishes Lindsey

Heavy Gauge Aluminium Pans

Asked by: Wendy

Hi Lindsey Again, not a question. A few months ago I asked about the gauge of aluminium pans and you responded by saying it can be confusing because one manufacturer uses one sort of gauge and another a different one. You did comment though that a base of about 6 mm is a good indicator to use. About a month ago I bought an aluminium frying pan, seasoned it as you suggested and it's great. It's so easy to clean in hot soapy water if something sticks. My only problem is that he handle is 26cm long and the pan won't fit in the oven. I'm so keen on them that I'll probably buy another one when it needs replacing. So thank you once again for your guidance. Love Wendy xx

Answered by Lindsey: Hi Wendy, Our Little Gem Frying Pan has an 18cm handle but I expect it’s a smaller frying pan than the one you have. It’s the little gem 'sauce' pan that has a 6mm base. The base of the omelette pan is heavy gauge but not as thick as the saucepan. Delia has some heavy gauge aluminium pans that are at least 20 years old so you my have to wait some time before you need to replace your pan! Best wishes Lindsey x

Menu of the Month

Asked by: KayP

Love the new site - but will menu of the month still feature? Always great for inspiration.

Answered by Lindsey: Hello Kay, Thank you, we’re so pleased that you love the new site. Yes we will still feature the Menu of the Month. Presently it’s one of the features on the home page and it can also be accessed via the navigation bar – community - then what’s new. Best wishes Lindsey

Any new videos?

Asked by: Adam TL

Hi Lindsey, The new site looks great. Just wondering whether Delia will be creating any new videos? I love the current ones, but have watched them to death!

Answered by Lindsey: Hello Adam, We are so pleased you like the new look of the responsive site. It will make it much smoother and easier to view Delia's Cookery School videos. We still have lots of work to do on the new site to bring it up to date - this is our major project for the foreseeable future. We do hope you continue to enjoy areas of the site, which you may not have discovered before. Best wishes Lindsey