Delia Smith is sure she can combine all the ingredients to produce the right recipe for Norwich City.

Britain's best-loved television chef has denied reports she is about to turn her back on the kitchen to put all her eggs in the basket of her role as a Canaries' director.

What comes through the gates doesn't pay for the football Delia Smith

But she does admit that Norwich City is becoming an increasingly important part of her life.

Delia said: "Norwich City is definitely worth it.

"The whole idea is that if football is to survive - and we have suffere a blow with the ITV Digital debacle - we have to have income.

"What comes through the gates doesn't pay for the football.

"We have a catering company that's going like a bomb, and we have food and wine workshops.

Norwich Nosh

What's on the menu at Carrow Road Duck Rillettes with Confit of Cranberries Deep Fried Lobster Tails with Chunky Tartare Sauce Salmon Fillet with a Crusted Pecorino and Pesto Topping Passion Fruit Br�l�e

"We're filling the restaurant every day of the year, and not jst on match days.

"And that's bringing in vital income," she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

Delia became hooked on Norwich when her husband Michael Wynn-Jones took her to a game at Carrow Road in 1969.

Both she and her husband joined the board in the 1990s.

As well as being a part owner of the club, Delia has developed a role as Catering Director at Carrow Road.

She has formed Delia's Canary Catering company, while Carrow Road contains the television chef's only restaurant, Delia's Restaurant and Bar.

Delia denied her increasing involvement with Norwich would see her hang up her colander.

Watching Norwich brings more tears than peeling onions

She said: "The truth is that I'm involved with running a catering company at Norwich and I'm spending a lot of time on that.

"But it's also true I have just signed a new contract with BBC Books.

"And I'm not saying there won't be any more television ever."