Raymond Blanc insists his idol Delia Smith was ‘absolutely right’ to tell people to cook with tinned and frozen produce as he praises her ability to ‘really simplify food’
Raymond Blanc says his idol Delia Smith was ‘absolutely right’ to encourage people to cook using frozen foods.
The Michelin starred chef, 72, is a fan of Delia, 80, for her ability to ‘really simplify food’ for more novice cooks.
And the French native even pays tribute to Delia in his ITV show Simply Raymond Blanc along with his other favourite chef – his late mother, known as Maman Blanc.
Speaking out: Raymond Blanc, 72, says his idol Delia Smith, 80, was ‘absolutely right’ to encourage people to cook using frozen foods
He told the Radio Times: ‘Delia Smith was the first TV chef to really simplify food.
‘She was heavily criticised for using tinned and frozen food in her recipes, but she was absolutely right.
‘Take the frozen pea. First, it’s delicious – all the nutrients are trapped in.
Talented: The Michelin starred chef is a fan of Delia for her ability to ‘really simplify food’ for more novice cooks
‘Not quite as good as fresh, but nobody wants to pick and pod peas. If it takes two hours, you’re not going to want to eat it.’
Meanwhile, the television star said his battle against coronavirus nearly ended very differently, giving him a stark wake-up call about the value of life.
He spent four months fighting the virus and was in hospital for four weeks after he was admitted with a high temperature in December 2020.
Tribute: The French native even pays tribute to Delia in his ITV show Simply Raymond Blanc along with his other favourite chef – his late mother, known as Maman Blanc
Raymond described himself as ‘close to terminal’ due to the illness, causing him to want to transform his life by spending more time doing things he loves after his recovery.
The media personality now wakes up and does 30 minutes of stretches every day as well as some meditation.
Raymond said in March last year that his ‘lowest point’ was when those caring for him ‘panicked’ and wanted to put him on a respirator.
Raymond was interviewed for the 29 January – 4 February edition of the Radio Times
He told ITV: ‘I begged them for three more days for me to fight on my own, because I know if I went on the respirator you’re not in charge of your own destiny, and I like to be in charge of my own destiny.
‘So I fought and I managed to win through meditation.
‘I tried for 40 years to meditate and I could never succeed… but there on that hospital bed…
‘I managed to focus on living, on friends on life and I won my fight.’
He added: ‘Three days later, my oxygen levels improved and I was in a good way.
‘It was a bit frightening but I realise I am very lucky, and I think I will appreciate life so much better and maybe do a bit less.’
Fright: The television star said his battle against coronavirus nearly ended very differently, giving him a stark wake-up call about the value of life