Brand-Name Gourmet

I trust I am not the only reader who convulsed with laughter over your article on that great cook, Melissa Manchester’s mother (Feb. 20). I’m sure that if my daughter had submitted me for culinary recognition on the basis of recipes whose principal ingredients came from Chris & Pitts, Heinz, and Pillsbury, the nomination would have ended up in the well-known circular file.

For shame! I have nothing against the use of manufactured shortcuts, and bottled barbecue sauce and store jams are more likely to be present in my kitchen than arugula and goat cheese; however, I would never have the chutzpah to offer recipes based on them for mention in The Times.

ELINOR J. LENCH, Sepulveda