Wow, a masterclass in Christmas prep, well done you. I am not a natural chef and the thought of cooking for 12 people would cause me to collapse. Thankfully I will be spending Christmas at my brothers house and his wife and son love cooking so I can just be a festive helper rather than have all the worry and stress myself. I really admire people like Helen who are organised and plan ahead and look so relaxed on the day. Lots of great tips here.

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you xx

WOW, Helen! You are SO organized! That was a great video. I especially loved the bread sauce recipe. I don’t think I’ve had it since I left England in 1966. We always had it at Christmas but nobody here has ever heard of it. Even though my husband is Scottish, he won’t eat it so I never make it. We used to stick the cloves in the onion, add the butter, bread, milk, salt and pepper and bake it in the oven, then just pulled out the cloves and onion before serving. It was delicious!,

You truly are an inspiration. I admire how you are so organised, creative and clever. I really am quite hopeless when it comes to domesticity. Your skin is beautiful too. Your Christmas lunch is something special. You shouldn’t have to explain what your preferences are, it’s no one’s business what you do or how you choose to make things. It clearly works amazingly for you and your family. I wish I was coming!! Lol. It’s good of you to share your methods of preparation. I think you’re wonderful and so capable. I’ve enjoyed watching your video. 🎄🎄🎄I do love a roast potato! 😊

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Margo xx

@kayrugg7728

Жыл бұрын

@@Helenmaryjo what is bread sauce?

@carolinemccabe7155

Жыл бұрын

@@kayrugg7728 Bread Sauce is eaten as an accompaniment to the turkey as you would cranberry sauce. Hope that helps explain!

Hi Helen, wow what a treat. You should have faith in what you cook, being a housewife/mum/cook for 42 years, you must be doing something right!! It all looks amazing and I will take a lot of what you have achieved into my Christmas lunch. Never thought about doing anything like this to take the pressure from me on the big day!! Thank you….inspiring.

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much xx

A woman after my own heart, whatever pre prep you can do is absolutely 100% a time saver.😄

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

I agree! xx

Love this Helen, thank you for sharing it can't be easy. I usually only prep the meat the night before and the Christmas cake. The gravy looks yummy. xx

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

It is, thank you xx

Hi Helen, Another fab video, you are so talented.. Love watching you doing all these amazing food presentations.. Xxx

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much 😊 xx

Hi Helen, this was fantastic, your efforts are very much appreciated! I enjoyed my morning coffee and breakfast while watching, felt like a wonderful visit with a friend. I've been married 43 years and have always done all the cooking at Christmas, so this gave me so many ideas to prep ahead & relax more. By the way I love your top! Thank you for sharing, so appreciated! Have a wonderful rest of the day! Take really good care, stay well! Much love Kathy x💖 (Ontario, Canada)

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! xx

Hey Helen, once again a nice video - you are multitalented! I love how traditional your family Christmas is - much envied. So I don’t cook any of those foods that you made - but somehow still like listening and learning with you anyway. That says a lot about how well you do your videos and how your lovely personality is ‘such fun’ to watch. Thanks for sharing. X

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! xx

You are so organised Helen. I really enjoyed watching this video! I usually prepare everything on Xmas day that I get so tired and don’t enjoy the day. Thanks for all these amazing time saving tips. xx

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Preparation really does make a difference xx

It’s such a great idea to get all the preparations done beforehand. Thanks for some great tips. The gravy looked delicious. Thanks for another great video.

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Dympna, it is delicious xx

This video was brilliant, it was wonderful and I have more enthusiasm for the coming holiday celebrations. Thank you 😊

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure xx

Helen you are fabulous! Love this video, you have totally inspired me to get my Christmas prep sorted this weekend! ❤

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

I'm so glad! xx

Hi Helen, I loved this video tutorial, which is exactly on point given the time of year. Your gravy looked divine and has definitely inspired me to give it a try. There are so many tutorials or column inches given each year to the whole process from start to finish regarding timings ( even what time to get up!) that I agree life is too short to feel like a Martyr on Christmas Day. Thank you for for showing us the shortcuts and allowing the cooks to come out of their tiled cells for a bit and join in with everyone else.

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Exactly, thank you xx

What fun! And how informative. I loved seeing the kinds of foods your family likes and a little bit of your history. Very wise to do things ahead of time. Thank you

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you xx

Hi Helen, Just watched your prepping for Christmas video and am wishing I had this info fifty five years ago. Christmas Day was always so stressful without any help, I enjoyed your relaxed approach, it all makes sense now. I really enjoy your videos , because you are you, nothing false which is very refreshing. Thank you for everything you do for for us

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Ah, thank you very much xx

Wow! Oh my! What a lovely video and what a lovely Christmas you will be able to enjoy with your organizational skills. Everything looks great!

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you xx

That gravy made my mouth water. Looked so good! Your family will have a lovely Christmas dinner thanks to all your efforts. Enjoy your day with family.

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you xx

Thank you for the reminder to get started on Christmas Dinner. Love Jamie's gravy, make it every year 😋. His snickers semi freddo is a favourite. Look forward to the next instalment

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Love that! xx

You've inspired me this year Helen ! I usually spend all Christmas morning in the kitchen after the present giving (admittedly with a glass of champers, chefs privilege! ) peeling and boiling etc. And the peeled pots are a great idea too. So thanks for this vid, really enjoyed and will get myself organised ahead to make the most of Christmas Day, as you said it's our holiday too ! x

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

It really is worth it. xx

I’d love to see you prep everything for Christmas Helen. I could watch ‘home made’ cookery vlogs all day xx

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you xx

So pleased you are back in your lovely kitchen! My goodness Helen, you are so organised. I think it is such a good idea to get everything prepped before Xmas. I have had so many stressed out Xmas days in the past when I used to cook for all the family which I don't do anymore. I am lucky enough to get invited out now as I live on my own. Well done you for showing us all how to not have a stressful Xmas day. Looking forward to seeing your table lay-out for Xmas Day too.xx

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! 😊 xx

Well Helen, I’m totally inspired to prepare more this year! Just making a list, I love a list! Love your jumper too 🎄🎅 x

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you xx

You have inspired me Helen! I’m usually busy, busy Christmas Day but this year I’m going to follow your advice….thank you

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

It really does help to get the stress out of the day. xx

Brilliant video. I can't begin to tell you how many xmas's I've spent in the kitchen but no more after watching this x

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

That's great to hear xx

I don’t do Christmas dinner anymore so I really enjoyed watching you, brought back lovely memories of times past. Thank you.

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much xx

Omg Helen you are so organised that was a huge preparation that is a lot of work if left for Christmas Day the gravy looks delicious that is definitely not one to be done on the day you’re kitchen looks huge can’t wait to see your cake great Christmas jumper stay safe stay beautiful ❤️

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much 😊 xx

Helen, this video gave me so many good ideas to prep ahead for Thanksgiving dinner as well as Christmas. Every year I make and preserve cranberry sauce in jars. This year I’m going to freeze it like you do and take it easy on myself! Thanks for all the good advice!❤️

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

You are so welcome! xx

Thank you so much for this video, it was really helpful to me packed with lots of ideas. Look forward very much to seeing more videos like this. Really appreciate them. Happy prepping to everyone ❤❤

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! xx

Well done Helen 🎉🎉. I really enjoy your videos. You are a very good cook. Thank you for your sweet inspiration. Xx

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much 😊 xx

I very much enjoy your videos! This is my first time commenting, though. Thank you for inspiration on the yearly task of Christmas lunch! Like you, I've been at it for 44 years and the more done early, the better. This year it's just my husband and myself, my son being a firefighter on call that day, so it'll be simple but I still am going to prepare early to just enjoy the day with Christmas music, bubbly and Christmas specials. Your bread sauce looks wonderful. Def giving it a go!

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching, if it take the stress out of the day, you'll enjoy it more. xx

Absolutely fab video, loved your ideas and really feeling festive now looking forward to Christmas. Thank you Helen xx

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

That's great, thank you xx

Great ideas in this “get ahead” video Helen. I’ll be following your tips so that I can spend more time with my family x

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

That's great xx

Well done Helen, another great video full of good tips and inspiration, thank you. I enjoy as many labour saving tips as I can get as it’s my birthday on 24 December and I definitely want to try and be organised before then 😆 xx

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Have a wonderful birthday xx

I love bread sauce. Usually make mine on Christmas Eve. The smell in the kitchen is divine. I too, after cooking almost as many Christmas dinners as you, believe in cutting every corner I can.

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Good for you, it makes all the difference xx

Thanks for this Helen….am going to take our advice and get on with some of these. Never thought of freezing potatoes and stuffing in foil trays ready to. Cook…good stuff xx🎄🎄

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you xx

Thank You Helen! This was the most Wonderful & Helpful video! I Truly Loved ALL of it! I’m a mom from the US (California) & have been married for 52 yrs- I cannot even tell you how helpful this Make Ahead Christmas dishes video is! Thank you for sharing- I’m definitely going to be getting a Head Start this year- instead of nearly burning myself out the day of!! I really enjoy your videos❤❤❤ (& Wishing you an early Merry Christmas!💋)

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

That's great, thank you xx

I do the same with the potatoes, I think they come out after freezing better than fresh, they’re soft and fluffy in the centre and super crisp xx

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

I agree xx

@georginadove4748

Жыл бұрын

Hi, Do you cook the potatoes frozen or do you defrost them before cooking? Thanks

Hi Helen Thank you for sharing this video you've inspired me to do this I always leave it to Christmas eve then never get to enjoy the day. Looking forward to seeing you next video xx

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you. I makes all the difference, even if you make the gravy ahead of time it takes a lot of effort out of the day itself. And you can par boil your potatoes and cover them in oil in trays at least five days before you need them. Keep them in the fridge or a cold space, if we have cold weather. xx

I am watching this and my tummy is growling, it looks delicious.Great video with really good tips which I will try this year to make the day less stressful.

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

That's great xx

Thank you for showing how you do your prep. I got a lot of tips from it , Oh I do like bread sauce going to try your one this year. Your right a lot of people never heard of it.

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you xx

Yummy yummy! We're a bread sauce family, so will be making .my own for first time ever, and the gravy too. Thanks Helen for all the handy hints xxx

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure. Make sure the bread is stale before you put it in the processor. xx

@lisab4033

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip Helen. I love cooking for the family. Hoping to get my 4 sisters over for an early Xmas meal as we never get the chance to get together on Xmas day (plus the fact no one can get a word in edgeways when we meet up lol) xxx

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. I have, like you, cooked most the Christmas dinners I've had in my adult life. I will take a leaf out of your book and buy what I can already prepared, even the potato's, I had never thought to buy already peeled, great idea. Once again thank you for a very informative video x

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you xx

Hi Helen, this is a great video! I remember the days when I did a lot of what you do. Our family has dwindled down to just a few and I miss those Christmas gatherings so much. I wish that I had your ideas when I used to host Christmas day. For 48 hours prior to the day, I was in the kitchen for hours and hours. I only thought of making cookies and pies ahead and freezing them. Your ideas are so inspirational and common sense. Looking forward to your next video, Linda from Las Vegas USA xo

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much. xx

Lots of great tips Helen freezing items flat is ingenious never thought of that but will definitely use it. I will try the gravy recipe and will definitely be buying the prepared potatoes! Thanks

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Good to hear xx

I loved this video, I hate cooking but you have made all this look so easy and very tasty, you looked so calm and professional. I find dishing it all up is the worse part, I become a historical mess at that point. Getting it done ahead of time will help with the stress levels, I never thought of freezing it all beforehand. Thank you so much. x

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure. The final thing is to make sure the gravy is piping hot. I serve it in insulated jugs, hot plates and hot gravy is key I think xx

Thank you for sharing. I always wanted to do roast potatoes ahead of Sunday lunches etc but never knew how and would get so stressed doing them. Watching you and listening to your commentary has given me confidence. I shall try this for my next proper Sunday lunch ( and Xmas Lunch). Your channel is brilliant 👍👍

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you. You can par boil the potatoes up to five days ahead and coat them in oil and keep them in the fridge until you need them. xx

Like you Helen I’ve cooked Christmas dinner for 40 odd years and I’ve never been as organised as you, but this year I’m going to be prepping before like you. Thank you so much for the great tips, I look forward to spending more time with my family on Christmas Day 👍😍

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

That's great xx

Helen, you're an absolute star! I freeze ahead of Christmas, but never tried gravy, stuffing or bread sauce from the freezer. I'm off to the supermarkt to buy all my stuff and shall get down to it ASAP. Many thanks for the great tips!😘

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

That's great xx

I enjoyed seeing you cooking in your own kitchen. I will certainly be doing this but maybe leave it to the beginning of December. The gravy looks amazing. 👏👏👏👏

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you. I've done it early for the channel xx

Lovely to watch this video and get into the Christmas spirit. Though as a family we don't really celebrate the festival, this is my way of enjoying it 😊

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

That's great xx

I really enjoyed your video. Great info on how to not spend Christmas day making dinner in tears like I did a few years back. I thought I was better recently but you showed how you can prepare even more in advance so thank you for that.

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

The more you can do ahead the better. xx

Great video Helen, you're a whizz in the kitchen. Like you I have all the family coming to me and have to be organised. I've never had bread sauce but looks so tasty 😋 xx

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

We love it, I hadn't realised so many people don't have it. xx

Great video Helen, you are so organised and if I was cooking this year ( I’m lucky enough to be on a Caribbean cruise, big birthday too) 😊I would defo do what you’ve done. Some great tips, thank you. Titter for the day was ‘hunt the dishes’ after the boys have washed up and also love the fancy rubber gloves in crackers! Brilliant! 😂❤

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Have a wonderful holiday and birthday xx

@janehudson7157

Жыл бұрын

@@Helenmaryjo thank you so much xx

Thank you Helen I really enjoyed your video. There will only be two of us on Christmas Day but it’s such a good idea to prep ahead so you can enjoy the day. Next time I have friends and family for a meal, I will try to follow your example and do as much as possible ahead of time. I wish I could be as relaxed as you x

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Preparation is key to a relaxed time, whatever it is you're doing. xx

I'm not cooking Xmas lunch this year, but watching you in this video has made me wish I was! But next year I'm going to do this and be a bit more organised for a change. I thoroughly enjoyed this video Helen. Keep 'em coming! Love Ellie xxx Ps. I'm the one that bought the summer dress from you. I love your videos and watch them all.

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Hi Ellie, thank you. Enjoy the rest this year, they'll be many more I'm sure xx

Thanks for sharing Helen, never done Bread sauce but it’s on my list this year probably eat it myself too, lol. Definitely going to use your method of plan ahead this year because I’ve nearly cooked as many Christmas dinners as you and like you I like to make a lovely fuss for a special day but my parents are no longer here and I’m doing it for my partner and my mum in law and they don’t want fuss, but I do it’s my happy memories of my family tradition. Looking forward to your other meal prep video’s for Xmas. You’re doing a wonderful job, you really are. X

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

I love traditions. Hope you have a lovely time xx

Very organised Helen I m quite fortunate I go to my daughters every Christmas 🎄 look forward to it but I thinkni might do some of your stuffing and take it down 😋😋👍

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Wonderful! xx

Hi Helen, really enjoyed watching you prep. I have also been cooking Christmas lunch for many, many years, someone else clears away🤣🤣🤣

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Good to hear xx

Great vlog Helen loved every minute of it. Loved your top too, love things that sparkle in any format, cheers from Melbourne 😁❤👩‍💼

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you xx

Loved this video Helen! Like you, I will be cooking for 12 on Christmas Day and I like to prep a bit beforehand! LOVE the idea of buying the peeled potatoes for the roasties!! I will definitely be doing that!! My family bring starters and some desserts and some prepared veg, so that all helps!! Keep up the great videos!! 👍👍

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like you've got it sorted. xx

I've really enjoyed watching how you sort Christmas, so glad you decided to film this.

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! xx

Hi Helen - you truly have inspired me with your tips - Christmas at our home when the children were young, entailed my husband & I running round the kitchen like headless chickens - we do however prep the veg the night before,but has the children got older we had Christmas lunch out or we all went away - but the kids complained that is was not like a home traditional christmas at mum's (*or so they said) so if all this prep saves me time - so be it - A Big thank-you!!!!

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

It just takes the pressure off, knowing that the fiddly jobs are done. There is still plenty to do on the day xx

Lovely tips there Helen thanks for showing us.. I'll be doing some prep soon .. Would love the trifle recipe & how it's done xx

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

I'll ask my daughter. xx

I really enjoyed watching you getting ahead for Christmas dinner. I’ll certainly give it a try too. I find the whole process of cooking for a crowd really stressful, so copying your ideas should help me stay a lot calmer. Thank you.

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

It will, I promise. xx

Absolutely marvellous Helen, I really enjoy your videos but I've only tried one method of preparing pots early and it didn't work, I think this method sounds great. I usually prep sausage rolls and Delia's cheesy sable biscuits my faves but you have inspired me to make more of the meal in advance. Thanks for all your lovely vids especially the hauls I have purchased the M & S Gilet because I saw it on you and liked the longer length. Wish I had the washer uppers!

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much. I never do any washing up on Xmas day, there is a limit to everything! xx

Hi Helen, I did Xmas dinner for 52 years with help from hubby and two daughters. I just like you ,made a tremendous Xmas day dinner but have since passed the baton to my oldest daughter. However, I have never been organized like you are and worked my fingers to the bone every Xmas day. I too wish I knew you before. All that prep makes an easier Xmas day. Loved this video and you are so easy to listen because you’re a natural.luv mj…..everything looked delicious.loved your Xmas top(jumper as you call them)

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you. Sounds like you have earned a rest xx

Hi Helen, a brilliant video. It can be so stressful having so many people for Christmas lunch given all the elements to prep and cook. I'm sure you and your family will have a lovely day. Love the tip to add rubber gloves to boys crackers! Time then for you to have a well deserved seat with a glass of fizz perhaps!😁💟

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Yes indeed. xx

Made your stuffing and added in the cranberry’s - may have had to cook up a little of the left overs to taste - yummy thank you. Just love your channel and the new Hel’s Bells x

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much xx

That was so relaxing to watch and kudos for getting ahead, makes so much sense. Thanks for sharing 🙂

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure xx

I've only just started commenting on KZread videos, and I had to tell you, you have been such an inspiration. I've now done all your recipes, plus a braised red cabbage one. James Martin was on "This Morning" today, showing us that salmon recipe. It did look easy, so I may even have a go at that. Holly and Phil certainly enjoyed it. Thank you, I've never been so well prepared for the Christmas feast

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

That's great, it really does help xx

Loved this video Helen, Thankyou for the inspiration. Could watch your vlogs all day 😊x

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

That's lovely xx

I know this is random for July..lol but I followed this video, besides the bread sauce for Christmas and Boxing day meals last year, and it made my life so much easier. I plan on doing the whole thing again this year. Thanks for your help xxx

@Helenmaryjo

11 ай бұрын

That's great xx

Helen, love this change of scenery. Our Xmas lunch wouldn’t be the same without bread sauce,although its always packet!😜 love the sweater😘

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you xx

Helen, I SO enjoyed this video and appreciate the time an effort you put into it! I also like to plan ahead but still get a bit nervous when we have company (maybe more than a bit lol). I did the cured salmon once and it was easy. Loved all your tips and just in time for our American Thanksgiving.❤

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

That's great xx

Hi Helen you are so organised you put me to shame, loved everything you done in this vlog so helpful I’m going to give it a go it will save so much time. Will you demonstrate how you make your xmas cake would love to see that. Thank you so much for sharing all your useful tips love all your vlogs you are such a lovely person 😘

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Kaz, yes I will share the cake making xx

Great video Helen, thank you for showing us some great tricks!! Enjoyed your little comment about hunt the dishes, I too have to do this when my Husband and Son wash up. In the last 3 years we have eaten out on Christmas Day but I cook on Boxing Day but as we in Australia have such a hot Christmas we eat mainly Seafood, Baked Ham Leg, Turkey (I do a rolled Turkey Stuffed Breast), Stuffed Loin of Pork, depending on how hot the temperature is, it can be cooked vegetables (as you have done) or a variety of Salads, Christmas Pudding, Pavlova and/or Trifle and of course always Christmas Cake. I do remember my Mother cooking traditional Christmas Fare using a wood fuel stove in heatwave conditions. Bread Sauce is eaten here as well. Your gravy looked delicious. Thank you for your time and effort. Best wishes.

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure. Can't imagine Christmas in the heat. xx

Love watching your video and you have some really great ideas for making xmas day a lot easier. Watching from Calgary, AB, Canada but was born in Southampton so it is fun to see what some of the English xmas traditions are. keep going! you are an inspiration!😃❤👍👍👍👍

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! xx

Arrrrh bread sauce was my mums fave ❤ how fab are you and how great that you are so organised I may just try to make that gravy I’ve always got the M&S 🤫 xx I love Christmas thank you for all you share 😊 xx

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure xx

Well this is really helpful, never thought of doing this before. Fab video Helen, thank you. xx

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

That's great, thank you xx

Thanks Helen for a wonderful video full of info and inspiration. We are the same in that the sides and extras are just as important as the main event. Growing up in Scotland we called our pigs-in-blankets Kilties but that name seems to be going out of style now. The gravy looked so good as did the other dishes you prepped and you make it look quite effortless. Keep doing what you are doing, I always look forward to seeing you. 🌹🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much xx

Great video Helen, I'm with you on getting ahead so you can enjoy the day with family x

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely!! xx

Loved the video. You have inspired me to make cranberry sauce, something I’ve never done, usually buy it from M&S. good idea prepping the roasters as well, will definitely do that this year 👍 Like you since I married 43 years ago I’ve probably cooked xmas day dinner 40 times 🤦‍♀️ and have 10 here for Christmas day, so the more I can do now the better. Thank you for a lovely video. Xx

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Go for it! It couldn't be easier I promise. Have fun xx

Really enjoyed this Helen - I so miss Tesco and Sainsbury’s here in the US. I’m going to do this for the first time as I have to make bread sauce and gravy gluten free this year.

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you. xx

Hi Helen was lovely to your Xmas prep, has got me excited to get ahead myself xx

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

I'm so glad! xx

Hi Helen, this was lovely! Your Christmas is so similar to mine - my daughter would boycott Christmas if there was no bread sauce! I make a stuffing very similarly also but I always lightly sauté an onion and some grated orange rind to go in with the sausage meat and stuffing mix. Again my kids family love it - thank you again x

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Penny, I put onion if the second stuffing that I make with fine oats, bacon and dates. That's the one that I make it up as I go along. xx

@pennyemmett8007

Жыл бұрын

One Christmas Eve I prepped the onions and oranges etc for the stuffing, my daughter came in after going out for a drink, thought it was leftover risotto and ate a plateful 🤣🤣🤣

Brilliant, you are so organised. Labels are a MUST!! I actually have to lay out all the dishes, pop a label of what’s to go in each dish!! As sure as eggs is eggs I leave something in the oven or under the grill 😂🤣😂 It’s a standing joke in this house …. Mum/Gran "is that EVERYTHING" 🎄 Patricia 💕

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you. I do that too with the dishes and put the serving utensils on each one too..... Like a military operation. xx

@enigma_-_79

Жыл бұрын

Me too. After lunch I go into the kitchen and find a full bowl of, say, cranberry sauce, that I forgot to put out. Good luck making a cranberry sauce sandwich to use it up. 😂

Great idea. I too would be so stressed making Christmas dinner. Thanksgiving is in 2 weeks and that is a larger effort then Christmas. This year we’ve split the cooking between myself and 2 sisters. We all want to be able to enjoy and relax during the holidays.

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely. Happy Thanksgiving xx

Loved this video Helen. Feeling very festive now. Definitely going to try the potato prep. I normally prep all the veg on Xmas Eve but never the potatoes and tbh mine never turn out that well 🫣 fingers crossed for this year 😂 x btw I always cook my turkey using the Phil Vickery method which provides the gravy too ... definitely recommend x

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Yes, I love Phil Vickery. I always do a Turkey crown, find it easier and less waste.... xx

Gravy looks good, handy to prep before Christmas. I cook the turkey and other meats before Christmas Day - handy to make a sandwich with the meats etc

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like you're sorted xx

Loved this Helen. I love the Jamie Oliver gravy it’s delicious. What a good idea getting those Tesco potatoes I must try and do that but I am not very good at getting my freezer down at the moment.

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

I know, you have to really commit to it! I'll do anything to save time and effort, especially for Christmas. xx

Great video Helen as always Helen. Sometimes I am not sure what will freeze well. I will definitely freeze the potatoes this year.

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you. xx

Helen well done I usually start December your looks delicious can fairly smell the stuffing, I usually add a onion as well. Thank you for sharing.😊

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you. I put onion in the other one I make xx

Fab vid Helen, you’ve really inspired me. Like you I have 11 souls for dinner . I’ll do lots in advance this year. Thanks a mil. ☘️

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure xx

Hi Helen, I think I might do at least some of your ideas, I love the thought of being organised as I tend to get a bit stressed on the day so I'm going to at least do the gravy it looks delicious. Thank you nice video x

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Do it, you won't regret it. xx

Well done Helen. I love bread sauce but don't do it very often, parents & grandparents loved it. We sprinkle / coat our roasties with semolina - it makes for nice crispie bits. Or add some marmite - yes I know - it makes really tasty spuds. Our dinners are tradional too, I always try to make some spiced red cabbage too. Loads of veg too. We have a couple of the younger generation who don't do prawns or salmon, so they have fruit salad to start, but it wouldn't be Xmas without a good old fashioned prawn/ smoked seafood cocktail. Yes we are 11 around the table several times a year. Good luck & thank you! Never any room fir pudding so it's a meringue/Eton mess type thing.

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Linda. I do the semolina thing sometimes too. xx

Hi Helen, I loved this video Thankyou for sharing recipes. I would love to see more like this. 💗

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

So glad! xx

Thank you so much. I'm usually running round like an idiot of Christmas morning and then pooped by the afternoon. Think I definitely need a few more shortcuts. x

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

We all do. xx

I will be making that gravy Helen - looks amazing and gravy is something I’ve never managed to get right on the day unless I’ve bought pre-made from M & S! Fantastic ideas, I wish my freezer was bigger…..

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

I got all of that into one shelf of my freezer and it's not a big one. xx

Hi Helen Thank you for sharing your Christmas prep! I can’t wait to see more, please make your Christmas cake on video ❤

@Helenmaryjo

Жыл бұрын

I will! xx