A simple cooking video - Shepherd's Pie, Lemon Cake and Banana and Sultana cake

[@scotsquine7870]

Another great video Helen. Up here in Scotland we would call it a cottage pie if it’s made with beef and a shepherds pie if it’s lamb.

[@christinedonnelly2830]

Same here in Ireland.

[@lovinglife6526]

Same here in Hampshire

[@rosanna229]

Same in Wales don't like shepherd pie, but like cottage pie.

[@Helenmaryjo]

I think it's a family thing for me, we only ever called it Shepherd's Pie, doesn't really matter, it tasted lovely. Thank you for watching xx

[@scotsquine7870]

@@Helenmaryjo aye i bet it tasted lovely x

[@katharinedavis4947]

I WASNT GOING TO WATCH THIS AS I CANT EAT SHEPERDS PIE . THEN I SAW THE LEMON CAKE , A FAVOURITE. I USE SORGHUM FLOUR SO ILL TRY TO MAKE THIS WITH IT . I ALSO USE YOUR METHOD OF WEIGHING . 8. 4. 2 BUT ILL DO SMALLER , 6. 3. 2 , Lovely, MAYBE ILL MAKE ONE FOR EASTER . ALSO IVE GOT BROWN BANANAS. I ENJOYED WATCHING YOU,. I've just BOUGHT AN AIRFRYER , MAYBE I CAN COOK THEM IN THERE . IM TRYING TO USE THD OVEN LESS. THANKS KAY

[@xMichelex]

I love your videos Helen! I find it hard to cook for us 2 and can always feed a crowd. Had to laugh as you tipped in about 16 packets of beef, (joke)... My husband always says why do you make so much? LOL. I'm sure your family enjoyed it. I like any video you make. Thanks again! Love the measurements hack! Great way to remember how much of everything. I do everything in ounces too. That's how we did it growing up. Can you do more videos like this? I love seeing the every day cooking with your little tips and tricks thrown in! xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

I will do thank you xx

[@lilethrichards3576]

Hi Helen loved watching you cook, it was very therapeutic, it’s always interesting to see how others cook, plus you can learn some tips. Looking forward to another one🙋🏾‍♀️😋

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@susancraig3966]

Altogether a very relaxing watch. You cook very much as I do, but watching someone else, it's interesting to see the little things done slightly differently. Please do more and any hints and tips are welcome!

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you I will xx

[@angie-wx8eo]

Hi Helen, I always enjoy your cooking videos and I’m certain many others do too. It’s always interesting to watch and pick up tips or alternative ways to prepare food. So please don’t hesitate to keep them coming! x

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you very much xx

[@lovinglife6526]

Hi Helen, lovely pie and cakes. Interesting that you use beef for shepherds pie, I use lamb. Beef for cottage pie. Not that it matters both taste amazing. My favourite cake is lemon drizzle, love a crunchy topping. 😊

[@Helenmaryjo]

I know, it's just what we call them in the family xx

[@mariaadair7307]

I love watching your cooking videos Helen! You cook all the same kind of food as me, but I love watching how you do it, because everyone does things slightly different! Lentils in the savoury mince….well, I’ll have to give that a go!! 👍. I too, make bigger portions and share out amongst the family. I’m about to make a few savoury mince pies, using the ready to roll pastry - the family love them and it gives my daughters (or sons-in-laws) a night off cooking! My Mum used to do things like that for me and it was such a treat not having to think about dinner!! Xo ❤️

[@Helenmaryjo]

Yes, it helps them out doesn't it. Thanks for watching xx

[@kdean9537]

Hi Helen, I really enjoyed this cooking & baking video & of course the chat, nice and relaxing! Felt like a wonderful visit with a friend. Thank you so much for sharing, take really good care, stay well! Lots of love Kathy x

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you Kathy xx

[@sarao982]

Loved this so much Helen ❤ the measurements are exactly how my Mum taught me. These two cakes are always my go to ones, plus coffee and walnut. Love watching you cook. Picked up lots of tips and its like being with a friend. Thank you and have a great weekend xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

My pleasure, thanks for watching xx

[@margopaton3240]

I enjoy watching you cook and bake. I would love a slice of each please😀 They all look so delicious! And you make it look effortless.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you so much 🤗 xx

[@janettesinclair6279]

Thank you for these recipes, Helen. Like you, I hate bananas which have just gone over to the soft side, and I have some that I need to use up. Banana bread coming up!

[@Helenmaryjo]

Yes, I need to make one today. xx

[@louisesmith2035]

Hi Helen, i love my slow cooker. I too bulk cook and freeze. Love your recipes. I sometimes use mashed sweet potato as a topping.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Nice xx

[@pamelawright1369]

Hi Helen enjoyed, I usually do the 6-6-6 3 egg mix from a Mary Berry book always comes out perfect. I think celery in the pie makes all the difference. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@Helenmaryjo]

My pleasure, thanks for watchng xx

[@olivebobo6885]

Your a good mum cooking for your son’s family. I freeze over ripe bananas, my husband has one every day with his breakfast so we always have them and sometimes they get over ripe. They are very mushy and runny when you defrost them but the bake up fine in a cake.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Yes, can't bear to throw them away xx

[@yvonnecasserly2606]

Hi Helen I love how simple all three recipes are, everything looks delicious thanks for sharing. It is very relaxing watching you cook. x

[@Helenmaryjo]

That's nice xx

[@juliec2681]

Thanks for the recipes Helen, just followed and made the banana bread. Will try the lemon one next time when i have enough ingredients. I love all your videos keep them coming. xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Hope you enjoy xx

[@loubylou5298]

Loved the video. Going to try your lemon cake, as I.ve lost my receipe. All looks wonderful. I too, did not know that about higher quality flour or the dunking of the loaf tin, i usually even it out with a knife or spoon, can be bit messy. Love getting these tips at my age lol, 2 years your senior. Just love your vlogs Helen. Thank you. Enjoy your time at the grandchildrens. I watch mine 4days a week. I.m knackered! 😘

[@Helenmaryjo]

Oh my I couldn't do that with mine, I'd be exhausted. I've done my time! haha xx

[@AO-oy4rf]

Thanks for the tip re using the slow cooker to cook the meat for pie. I haven't tried that but looks much easier! I don't really bake but even the cakes all looked so simple and like your measuring tips too. Might give it a go especially the lemon cake appeals to me.

[@Helenmaryjo]

You are so welcome! xx

[@karenthomas5886]

How interesting you call your pie a shepherds pie. I always say a pie made with beef is a cottage pie and a pie made with lamb is a shepherds pie. I’m guessing that depends where you come from! It looked lovely anyway 😋 Do you put your cakes in the oven before it reaches temperature? They came out looking lovely. Made me want to do some baking now x

[@Helenmaryjo]

I know, I think it's a family thing. I don't worry about pre heating the oven if I'm using a fan oven. Haven't noticed a difference. xx

[@kathytugwell9218]

I love watching you cook Helen (however I love all of your videos). You make it look so easy! I'm not a keen cook but the way you cook inspires me ie don't bother cleaning the bowl after lemon cake and before banana cake! I wouldn't have thought of using my slow cooker for the mince for shepherds/cottage pie either, although I'm sure others do this! Great time savers! Can you do an air fryer cook with me please, although my air fryer is just an air fryer, but I'm interested to learn more as I don't use it and wouldn't have thought of baking a cake in it! By the way, what size loaf tins did you use for your cakes please?

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you. I will do more on the Air Fryer, but I'm no expert... They were 2lb loaf tins xx

[@charmianjohnson2364]

When I first got married, an older lady working in my London office, gave me her shepherds pie recipe, she put tinned tomatoes, and a tin of baked beans, 60 years later I still make it.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Yum. I sometimes add baked beans if I want to bulk it out a bit. xx

[@lindakirk698]

Well done. If you cooked one cake in the AF what time/temp would you do? I never buy cheap baking spread. Get a much better flavour otherwise. Slow cookers don't have a liquid max. I make soups in mine. Theres just a max fill line. You are supposed to put everything into a hot pre heated slow cooker. That was a massive amount of mince that you cooked. I would use 1 x 500gm pack for 4 people. We're you cooking for about 16 people? You would save so much money if you used less. I'd put about 3 or 4 onions in that large quantity. We love "savoury" mince. Did you not pre heat up your oven for the cakes?

[@Helenmaryjo]

I do it at 170 for 30 minutes and then check.... I find with other flavours in the cake it doesn't matter much about the fat used. But each to their own. xx

[@jenniferfarrah3134]

Hi Helen . Enjoyed watching you cook . You made the cottage pie mix just as I do . Liked the idea of sliced potatoes on the top. & the cakes looked good . But I do use butter , I prefer the taste . I shop at Waitrose a lot , hate big super markets , & my Waitrose isn’t too big . Like the meat & fish counters , & it’s not as pricey as people think . Going to make the banana cake tomorrow 👍J

[@Helenmaryjo]

Jolly good xx

[@aliceinwonderland.2080]

Hi Helen. As always, you make cooking look simple but tasty.Enjoy! 🥰😋

[@Helenmaryjo]

Yes, thank you xx

[@JulieBuda]

Love your videos Helen. You are such a stylish lady and love these chatty cooking videos xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Ah, thank you very much xx

[@shirleyhull3975]

Great video. You inspired me to bake even though its 33 c Loved that the ingredients are generally in my cupboard instead of a special shop that a lot of recipes require.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Great stuff. it's 8c here ..... xx

[@virginiaanderson8875]

Looks wonderful, especially, the Shepard pie - my Moms left over dish - basically like yours only pie plate size and leftover mashed potatoes for topping. You amaze me with your quantities - being on my own now, look for things for 1- your quantities, I can picture the school of boys in “Mr Chips”❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

Haha, but it made four meals for son and wife, two meals for us and one meal for my daughter's family of four too, plus a couple of small portions for the toddler. So economical really. xx

[@kathypr1987]

Thank you so much - this was so helpful! I can't cook, but you make it look easy. I am going to try all of this tomorrow. My hubby will be shocked! xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Hope you enjoy. Thank you xx

[@glennismossey6976]

You make everything look so easy. I am on a wheat and lactose free diet and so cakes are off for me. ( Not my choice) but the savoury mince is something I will be doing! I did enjoy this video. 👏

[@Helenmaryjo]

You are so welcome! xx

[@paulinedupree5393]

Great video Helen love watching other people cook 😂 also would love to see a house tour your house looks amazing ❤xxxx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@janping5247]

Great cooking…I’m a pound and once’s girl….like you I do use grams occasionally. I like simple and straightforward recipes . I love my basic Be-ro books even though I have many celebrity ones. Tend to go to the old favourites. Hope they taste has good as they looked. Here’s to the next vlog xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

They did indeed.... thank you xx

[@jmk1962]

Nice one Helen I could smell those cakes when they were done. Shame we can't have a slice though. 😉

[@Helenmaryjo]

Ah thank you xx

[@jaccroft]

I love “cottage pie” that’s what we call it too Witt beef . I also call it Worcester sauce and not Worcestershire sauce , no wonder our american friends struggle With the name . I’ve never thought of cooking the mince in the slow cooker , but if I batch cook , I think I might try it . I also add a bit of Paxo stuffing mix for extra savoury taste , but no toms in mine . Helene , we do want to watch , because your videos are good enough 😀

[@Helenmaryjo]

Haha, good comment xx

[@lyndawigby4001]

Hi Helen: I use the same ratio for cakes and they turn out fine every time. Also I work 3 days a week now and do a batch of mince in the slow cooker, so easy and so useful to have ready made. It may be old fashioned but any recipe from the Be Ro book works successfully for me.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Yes, I used to use the Be Ro book all the time xx

[@turistka2000]

Please tell me, who uses a good electric grater, what brand do you use... Today I looked through a lot on Amazon, but I did not find one that would be good, convenient. I need a small size for my kitchen....

[@Helenmaryjo]

It's not electric, but I use one like this: amzn.to/3BKz1UN. and find it does a good job xx

[@joancarucci8290]

Hello Helen, I really enjoyed another great video..My son loves Sheppard pie,,seeing you ues the crockpot is a great idea..I love anything lemon, Banana bread is me and my daughters favorite..So yes I totally enjoy this video. But than I enjoy all your videos..

[@Helenmaryjo]

Ah, thank you xx

[@yvonnebaptiste7505]

With busy lives it's easy to get in a rut cooking the same things so I enjoy watching you cook good wholesome meals that we can all achieve. You make it so effortlessly. You used some ingredients in the mince that I haven't tried before so I am eager to try that and the cakes look delicious. Look forward to the next cookery session!

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thanks so much xx

[@cathyhermanson10]

Hi Helen: I will be right over for dinner after I pick up the bits around the house. Oh, lemon cake sounds so very good. What time should I come? It will take a couple of planes and, hopefully, not Southwest. That was the airline that goofed up at Christmas in the good old USA! Will Harry and Meghan be there? I will take a raincheck if they are invited. Ha Ha. Yes, I know I am a naughty girl and my husband would agree. My daughter once said....Why do I have the crazy mother? Oh, goodness, you are just lucky one!

[@Helenmaryjo]

Haha, good one! xx

[@macelven]

A woman after my own heart! A generous lashing of Worcestershire sauce is my secret ingredient in loads of things, from stews to soups.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Always, thank you for watching xx

[@shellychell6434]

Yum ❤ I’ve never made a minced beef base by just putting it raw in the slow cooker I never knew you could what a game changer xx The cakes look delicious 🍋🧁🍌🧁 xxx

[@Helenmaryjo]

It was yummy. The cakes were too, if I say so myself! haha xx

[@sue2593]

Hi Helen. Hope you're having a brilliant weekend...Please can you tell me if you use 2lb loaf tins?

[@Helenmaryjo]

Yes, 2lb loaf tins. xx

[@sue2593]

@@Helenmaryjo Thank you Helen Just made Lemon Cake looks very nice. Hope you've had a great weekend with your Mum and Sisters. x

[@diane6037]

I enjoyed watching you cook, I’m having my son and his fiancée for tea mid week so shepherds pie it is for them, FYI did you know white eggs come from hens that have white ears that’s the only difference, I got that from the local farm shop 🐓

[@Helenmaryjo]

Yes, I did know that and apparently they can be more aggressive towards each other. But the eggs taste the same..... strange one xx

[@janettehunt6831]

Yes, its a cottage pie in the midlands. Betyou can’t believe the replies over what its called,but who cares,shepherd or cottage,it looks lovely Helen😋 x

[@Helenmaryjo]

Haha, no `I can't, but there you are. xx

[@lindaloutotz999]

Hi,Helen, love the vid, looks delicious, never made one in slow cooker, going to try this, would you mind sharing where you bought your v neck top please? Thanks.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you. The top is from Primark xx

[@janetpritsker1323]

I have made many many cakes in my life. I never heard of the sixes method before. I love this. Will be trying in the near future. Thank You

[@Helenmaryjo]

So easy, thanks for watching xx

[@marionwalker7473]

Hi Helen the recipes you have used in this video is very similar to what l do the one thing l will pinch from you is to use the slow cooker instead of cooking mince beef on the hob. Yes l also use the cheaper margarine for baking. My family , son, daughter in law and two grandsons take it in turn to request what l cook and bake each week l love doing it for them as much as they enjoy eating them. Thanks again for the tips x

[@Helenmaryjo]

Hi, sounds good. Thanks for watching xx

[@Lou7301.]

Thank you so much Helen I really do enjoy watching your videos. Helen did you preheat the oven for the cakes ? X

[@Helenmaryjo]

No, I don't bother if I'm using the fan oven. xx

[@kerrielankshear8095]

Loved this video Helen im not a very good cook so it really helped me thank you. Xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Have a go, it's easy xx

[@karensterling5597]

Hi Helen lemon cake yummy I l give your recipes a go, I always do my mince in slow cooker but try adding some lentils to to bulk it as you did red n green. Your outfit very nice,keep blogging your natural thanks heles belles. X

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you very much xx

[@sandrapaterson8678]

Oh I thoroughly enjoyed watching you prep and bake. Like you I've baked since childhood but I've only ever used stork so to see the wonderful results from using the baking fat you've definitely converted me as stork is getting as expensive as butter! I usually put walnuts in my banana loaf but will definitely give the sultanas a try. You've also put me in the notion to make a cottage pie 😋 another fabulous vlog Helen xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you. Sometimes I add walnuts, just whatever takes my fancy really xx

[@marjoriefinlay3303]

Got my tea and ready for our visit. I've never seen tomatoes as paste in a tube. Or those jelly beef stock. Or cake liners. If I could import we could make a fortune. Don't often find brown eggs in my area. They would be hard to find. Have a great week,cheers

[@fionafrazer8820]

When I first moved to the US (40+ years ago) they didn't have tomato paste in a tube, but my Mum had been using it for. years in the UK! They obviously have it now - saves wasting a can, or having to store half a can. We do have the beef stock like that (made by Knorr) but can't get Oxo's (my favorites) easily.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Funny isn't it, what we take for granted. xx

[@ninathomson4716]

Another fab video Helen. I took up baking last year and have become slightly obsessed lol. I always text folk first and tell them what I’m making and that I’ll drop some off, that way hubby and I don’t scoff it all !😬. I took a big Victoria sponge to mother in law today as it was her 92nd birthday. Hope you’re having a great weekend 😙😙 xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you. It's been great, back to reality now. xx

[@50angeleyes]

Nice recipes. I’ve made many banana breads over the years but have to admit my go to recipe is one I found on Instagram over lockdown. It’s the Brown butter banana bread. It’s a bit naughty because you put your raisins or sultanas or dried fruit mix in a saucepan with some rum, bring to the boil then put in a container when cool and leave overnight and put in cake the next day. Delicious but not one for the kids!

[@Helenmaryjo]

Sounds great! xx

[@paulapomeroy830]

Oh ffs! A little of what you fancy, etc. All things in moderation. I use a quick light fruit cake recipe of my Mum’s, Madeira and lemon drizzle. Used to use butter but I will be swapping to baking stuff. Didn’t know about the white egg issue - how strange! Thank you for your chatty videos. Everything looked lovely.

[@Helenmaryjo]

I agree! Thanks for watching xx

[@marjoriefinlay3303]

Everyone seems to have about 12 receipes they use over and over. The way heating costs are, making more is a great idea

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@sharronlewis3429]

👩‍🍳 Hiya Helen, i love watching people cook, I've just joined Fat Andy, a man who cooks, because there's not many who do or can, plus my favourite Cakes 🎂🍰🥧🍪 i don't think I've ever had a white egg, not that I wouldn't eat them, but wear I'm at we don't have a waitrose, my nearest on is on the M6. I'll get eggs next time. 🥚🥚🍳

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you. xx

[@angelajackson6801]

Hi Helen. Love your videos. Have you made one of these cakes in your air fryer and if so how long on bake and what temperature please?

[@Helenmaryjo]

I have used it often for cakes. I usually use 175 and start at 25 mins and then check it..... probably about 35-40 minutes in total xx

[@helen6477]

I enjoy your cooking videos! Always looks delicious! Xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you so much 😊 xx

[@shirleygroves8139]

If you ever have any bananas that are very ripe don't bin them the black birds love them .

[@Helenmaryjo]

Good tip xx

[@maureenlowther7621]

Love the vlog I hate really ripe bananas as well. I must admit I can’t understand about white eggs I only like brown eggs if I have a boiled egg.❤️❤️

[@Helenmaryjo]

Haha, funny isn't it xx

[@skincarefan7742]

All 3 look delicious, will definitely do mince in the slow cooker - never thought to do that before. X

[@Helenmaryjo]

Good stuff xx

[@gillianmarshall5930]

Thanks Helen for another great video, love watching you bake and cook , all looked amazing xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

My pleasure, thank you xx

[@maries8207]

Thankyou so much for this cooking video. I made the Lemon Cake today to take to my mum and dad's and it was beautiful, very light. My Dad whose 83 and not a big eater ate all of his large slice with cream, so it was a big thumbs and will definitely make it again. Thankyou x

[@Helenmaryjo]

Glad you liked it. Thank you xx

[@BIRGITTAQF]

My shepards pie is just mince Meat, onions and chrushed tomatoes, and then the spices and the sauce. My regular sponge cake is a 2 2 2 cake. We use dl. Used it since 74, just the Base then different flavours, orange, choclate and Coffee, vanilla for exemple. I love the trusted recepies they are always the best. Thank you, enjoy your grandkid.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you I did xx

[@sandrasmith5943]

Lovely cakes Helen. What a lovely Mum you are. Hope they enjoy the shepherds pie xx💕

[@Helenmaryjo]

They did, thanks for watching xx

[@chrissiematthews7988]

Thanks Helen. Ive gone back to using my slow cooker due to rising electric prices. X

[@Helenmaryjo]

Yes, the oven costs a fortune to use. Ridiculous isn't it?! xx

[@margimunson]

I made the lemon cake as shown. A bit of baking powder-with a good shelf life still (1 t), 6oz butter, 6oz flour (brand new self rising bought because I wanted to try this) 6oz sugar, and 3 eggs. Fell flat in the middle! What did I do wrong? It was done when I took it out of the oven-clean stick all the way through. Used a digital scale for all measurements😬

[@Helenmaryjo]

Oh that's a shame..... tbh that has never happened to me. I wonder was the room very cold when you took it out of the oven? Did it feel firm to the touch, this usually happens when it's not completely cooked in the middle? I bet it still tastes lovely. But I can imagine that you feel disappointed. Hope you have better luck next time.... xx

[@Bombabingbong66]

Sounds like it needed a bit longer in the oven, it's the center of the cake you need to test, that part can still be wet when the surrounding part is already cooked. Also do not open the oven during cooking as that makes the cake drop.

[@elianneluxton1730]

Thank goodness for your videos, you make it so simple and real! Rather watch you thanCorrie!

[@Helenmaryjo]

Yay! Thank you! xx

[@tess2810]

Thank you Helen, I enjoy all your videos x

[@Helenmaryjo]

Glad you like them! xx

[@kb606]

Thanks for sharing Helen, look delicious, the cakes a lovely treat xxx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you. They are a treat and to be honest I made these cakes a week ago and we still haven't eaten yet. xx

[@christinekirkman7713]

I always enjoy your cooking/baking. Grand job!

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@ethelliott5083]

Thanks Helen, the cakes look delicious and so quick.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you for watching xx

[@lorrainemortimer6106]

Hi Helen - really enjoyed the video I love how simple & no fuss the recipes were!!! pity we have not got smellltube & tastetube! the video brought back so many memories of my mum & my teacher showing me how to do the simplest of baking but unfortunately I was no baker & I had some dreadful results. but in those days baking seemed a lot more complicated - (I am showing my age now I sound like my gran)

[@Helenmaryjo]

Haha, not at all. xx

[@gracesmith6199]

I used to liquidize my granulated sugar to make caster, after watching you I won't bother.

[@fionafrazer8820]

You can just run it through the blender to convert granulated to caster.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Yep, but in most recipes it makes no difference I find xx

[@sandracalvey8034]

Hi Helen, really enjoyed your cooking video. Safe travels to your son and daughter-in-law.x

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you back now and all good xx

[@ruthrussell3845]

Very nice thankyou. You mentioned Airfryer I got one for xmas would you fancy doing a cake demo in it please

[@Helenmaryjo]

Yes I will no problem xx

[@lynnbailie9940]

Thanks for sharing Helen. Your cakes and shepherds pie look delicious ❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thanks so much xx

[@maureencomley7909]

Hi Helen enjoyed that video I love watching how other people cook the cakes looked lovely 🙂

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@renablythman6243]

Really enjoyed your cooking video I think I will try the lemon cake it looks so tasty, we eat a lot of cottage pie it's allways tasty, Helen up until your videos I had never noticed frozen mash or even knew it existed, I bought Tesco frozen mash and I'll never peel or boil potatoes again , great tip, You make cooking look very easy ❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

Anything for a short cut! Thank you xx

[@suewilkinson1768]

Really enjoyed the video you make it look so effortless and stress free,so more cooking videos always welcome xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thanks so much! 😊 xx

[@tinadavis3333]

Thankyou Helen 👍my family will love these cakes I am in the mood to bake a cake 🍰

[@Helenmaryjo]

My pleasure 😊 xx

[@AnnmarieMcCartan]

ON THE AMERICAN NEWS IT JUST SAID DO NOT LEAVE YOUR XMAS FOOD OUT NO LONGER THAN. 2 HOURS 😃😊

[@patriciakey7591]

Really enjoy your cooking along with me cooking video, all way the from down under in Australia, as always you make it look easy !!

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@joannedean-waters1536]

Hi Helen, loved this thank you for sharing! 🥰 You made it all look sooooo easy! Delicious I’m sure😋

[@Helenmaryjo]

My pleasure 😊 xx

[@lornapancott1340]

Nothing like home cooking Helen...tfs Helen.

[@Helenmaryjo]

My pleasure xx

[@tayd.7373]

I would have browned the meat before putting it in the slow cooker.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Tbh, I haven't found that it makes a difference. xx

[@allystevens7036]

Very relaxing watching this! Thank you, Helen.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Glad you enjoyed it! xx

[@helenparker3165]

Lucky family having you make them those pie and cakes Helen.xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Haha, thank you xx

[@donnalynwitherow8874]

I love this! Thank you for cooking with us-so fun.

[@Helenmaryjo]

My pleasure xx

[@angelwings1446]

Please have more confidence in these videos xx we all love them .

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@alibolla]

Enjoyed that Helen but now need cake ha ha , yep i'm the same pounds and ounces kinda girl xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Jolly good xx

[@francesbond8755]

Thanks for another great video. Cakes looked yummy. So much nicer than store bought 😊

[@Helenmaryjo]

They are! xx

[@Barbara-yj5tl]

I used to get shepherd & cottage pie the wrong way round until I realised the shepherd has sheep = lamb :)

[@Helenmaryjo]

I know the difference I just never call it cottage pie...... just a family thing. Mind you I never use lamb mince either haha xx

[@Barbara-yj5tl]

@@Helenmaryjo Growing up I used to think chimney was pronounced chimley and nobody ever corrected me..think it was a work mate who put me right, ha ha!

[@thelmataylor286]

I agree with all of the comments, you make it all appear effortless with your relaxed and easy manner and it all looked delicious 😋 😋

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you very much xx

[@poppyb7118]

Really enjoyed your cooking videos you made the food and cakes look easy and the chat was fun well done Helen keep it up xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thanks so much 😊 xx

[@ginad2827]

You're brave to be cooking with tomatoes in that lovely blouse and vest!! One of these times when you're cooking again, would you mind telling us the difference between caster sugar and granulated sugar? We don't have caster sugar in the US. Also, something we notice when we visited the UK, the egg yolks are more orangey than ours in the US. Everything looks delicious!

[@Helenmaryjo]

Hi, caster sugar is a finer version of granulated sugar, so it's better for things like fatless sponge or cakes with a lighter texture. It is more expensive. So I don't usually worry. You can put granulated sugar into a blender if you want to make it finer. I think the eggs here are probably more orange because they are higher welfare, I only buy free range eggs. Thank you very much for watching xx

[@denousey]

Thank you for this video, always a pleasure to watch you. Always love the variety of video. Have a good weekend with your family 😊

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you very much xx

[@fionacarey6627]

Great video Helen 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@kathleenwardingley5168]

Helen your videos are really good and yes you make everything look so easy . Thanks for sharing with us 🤗🤗👍

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx