The first batch of Christmas Food Prep - getting ahead for Christmas

[@louisesmith2035]

Lovely video. Your like me Helen. Prep for the big day. Must come from being from a large family. ❤🎄🎅

[@ACIC7851]

I use orange juice instead of water with the cranberries and it tastes very nice. Enjoying your posts here in Canada!

[@JanetBrown-px2jn]

The stuffing looks good,but I prefer my bread in small chunks,and I also like a mix of white, and cornbread. I saw an article that said walnuts tasted so much better if you soak them in water for a few hours, then toast them, I haven’t tried it yet, but I am willing to give it a try. I have never tried over night oats, mainly because my friend gets stomach pain from them, and the idea of cold oats doesn’t sound appealing to me, as I love a bowl of hot oatmeal with fruits.😊

[@christhomas6448]

Thanks Helen. I always enjoy your cooking show's 😊. So much easier than following a recipe 🤭xx

[@annlevack8220]

Hi Helen I will try making the over night oats thank you ...

[@Carol-j9c]

Thank you Helen really loved watching this video it’s certainly inspired me to get started,merry Christmas to all x

[@Helenmaryjo]

Ah, thank you xx

[@sassysenior6116]

THAT SHADE OF BLUE LOOKS FANTASMAGORICAL! I made that up just for you

[@Helenmaryjo]

Haha, thank you! xx

[@Lynn-qv2xj]

Always a pleasure watching you in the kitchen Helen.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@myoung6204]

Helen I cannot believe how Christmas is rushing towards me and I've barely a stone gathered!! Thankfully I no longer have to cook. Prep in advance is definitely the key. Daughter no.2 and her husband work well together in the kitchen and I'm quite happy to let them carry on!! 😂 I do love watching you cook but I'm looking forward to the house decorations and shopping you'll be doing. Thanks for all your hard work and tips you bring to us. 🎉 xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Ah, thank you xx

[@gillianrobinson9082]

Loved the prep for Christmas Helen saves so much time, always a pleasure too watch your vlogs.❤

[@MMilne-rx1nj]

Thank you Helen for the video. Relaxing and inspiring. We first tried the oats on the Queen Victoria cruise ship 8 years ago and have loved them ever since. We buy the Rude Health Bircher Muesli and add in yoghurt and whatever extras we want, tropical mix from Lidl, mixed nuts,etc.

[@veronicwbrennan4002]

HB. Re : overnight oats. My recipe is simple. Three layers, first oats, second frozen fruit, I lovve raspberries , then Greek yoghurt. Cover and leave overnight. I live alone so use a travel soup mug. Perfect for one as it comes with a lid. I will try yours so thanks for that..

[@carolmcdougall7138]

Hi Helen, you always make it look so easy. Thankyou. Great video. Xxxx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Ah, thank you xx

[@PaulaBrockhurst-oj2ip]

That’s fantastic thank you Helen. Do you put the potatoes in from frozen or defrost overnight? Xxx

[@siobhanelliott308]

Great video as usual i made my first Xmas cake using your recipe it came out amazing ❤❤❤❤

[@sarao982]

Helen, you are a godsend. I followed your Christmas prep 2023 with excellent results and such a timesaver. This is the first year I won’t be doing Christmas dinner as recovering from Op but you’re my go to for future Christmas prep. Thank you sooooo much. ps. Love that blue colour on you 💕

[@joancarucci8290]

Hello Helen, I have been looking forward to watching your Christmas dishes this is my 3rd Christmas enjoying your channel 😊

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you Joan xx

[@Lana129.]

Hi. Thanks for tip re doing potatoes ahead of time. I’ll do it. I have porridge with Greek yoghurt , walnuts and blueberries each morning . I use good cut oats but I cook them in microwave then add other ingredients each morning. Im afraid Im lazy about the overnight element. I’m always cautious about the calories though. About 300 in a normal bowl. I watched a programme where it said all cereals break down into sugar like all carbs. And also fructose in the fruit. We can’t really win. Ah well…. As usual great video. Thanks.

[@lindahull3974]

Every year I look forward to your Christmas cooking video. Before I saw the first one, I never thought to make so many dishes ahead of time. You have completely transformed my holiday meal prep! Thank you.

[@Helenmaryjo]

I'm so glad! xx

[@lindahull3974]

It truly makes for a more relaxing holiday!🥰

[@MaryAnderson-c4c]

It’s so relaxing watching you cook and prep Helen…prefer you to most of the tv chefs 👍Those overnight oats look great too. When I watch your videos from your kitchen, I always miss Costco …I love it but none near us here sadly. There are a couple of stores up north near Paris I think but we are down in the South-West. These December weeks leading up to Christmas are my favourite…just adore the twinkling lights, the decor, the Christmas music, the festive adverts, the build-up, the anticipation etc. Prefer that to Christmas day itself to be perfectly honest 🤣 Great with young children or grandchildren of course - you’ll have a great laugh with your grandkids for sure…really looking forward to that in the future all being well. That shade of blue really suits you btw. Thankyou for your vlogs Helen…looking forward to more Christmas prep from you. Mary (Scottish Hel’s Belle living in France) 🤗

[@jacquelinegreen9157]

Really enjoyed your cooking video Helen. Will try your recipe for overnight oats as it looked delicious. Xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@gillmarshall7760]

Always lovely to see you cooking Helen , have watched all your videos on Christmas cooking.. You make it all look so easy.. Thank you for this great video.. xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Ah, thank you xx

[@SusanPowell-y4k]

That was a really enjoyable video and just what I needed to spur me on. We’re going on holiday on the 14thfor ten nights as my dear husband thought it would be a good idea !! God love him, he still thinks fairies at the bottom of the garden do everything but it was a lovely surprise . Sooo this Helen’s belle better get her finger out and crack on. ❤xx

[@myoung6204]

😂😂

[@Helenmaryjo]

It'll all be alright on the night and if it isn't, it makes a good story! haha xx

[@collettekelly1522]

Are you Irish I think it’s only us that have fairy in our gardens . enjoy your holiday lovely surprise lucky you ,I could do with 2 weeks in the sun rite this minute

[@renablythman6243]

Love watching your kitchen videos Helen I will try the oats tips,another year has passed . Where does the time go??,I look forward to more cooking and seeing your Christmas decorations, Helen you always put a lot of effort into your videos ,it's very appreciated ❤❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thanks so much xx

[@margothartwell6195]

Brilliant video Helen. I will definitely do the same. Admittedly I don't make my own stuffing but then I am not usually cooking for 8. Overnight oats are delicious. When I worked I often took them to eat because I could never eat first thing. They are lovely with blueberries and I always put a bit of vanilla essence in mine. ❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

Nice, Rob adds blueberries in the morning. Thank you xx

[@wildwolf2567]

I am now hungry after watching you prepping. 😊. I'll settle for a packet of crisps as it's late. It makes it so much easier when planned in advance. Thank you Helen.

[@Helenmaryjo]

It does help xx

[@tinahowson8335]

Helen, a great video. I have watched you every year preparing the Christmas fare, always looks delicious and so time saving. Following my husbands heart issues, he was advised to eat oats for breakfast but your recipe certainly gives it another dimension. Will give it a try, he and I will love this recipe especially with Chia and nuts. Thanks for sharing xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you. Rob enjoyed it very much and I will be making more tomorrow xx

[@PAM-ud9lv]

Hi Helen since watching your channel I always prep most of my Christmas food. It makes it so much more enjoyable for me. I don’t think non cooks realise how much work and time goes into Christmas food. I did heaps on the 1st need to do the gravy and cranberry sauce and I’m set for Christmas lunch. When the weather cools down a bit next week (live in 🇦🇺) I’ll do my pork pies and sausage rolls Thanks Helen for getting me into the precooking easier Christmas. I’m the same as you think I’ve only not cooked Christmas lunch about 5 times being married 45 years lol. Thanks Helen as always and the blue jumper looks stunning. Take care.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Ah, thank you xx

[@AnitaGent]

Loved this Helen. Thank you so much for sharing. ❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

My pleasure xx

[@elaine-f7s5x]

Hi Helen,loved your video i don't know if i missed what you said about the roast potatoes but do you put any fat in the tray before you put in the oven.😊❤

[@YvetteJuniper]

I wrapped some Christmas presents this weekend ready for this Friday when we travel to Southampton for my youngest granddaughter 's first birthday.

[@Helenmaryjo]

How lovely, have fun xx

[@lindalucia31]

Must remember to keep my aluminium trays in future I usually dump them. I haven't been looking forward to Christmas this year everything has seemed like a chore. watching you has cheered me up a bit.Thanks Helen.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Ah, thank you xx

[@bridgetregan9408]

Hi Helen, loved your video, you’re so organised! can I ask you, on freezing potatoes, do you cover before putting them in freezer with cling film? and cook straight from freezer without defrosting? Thank you x

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you. The trays that I use have foil lids so I put those on, but you can open freeze them on trays and then put them into freezer bags. You can cook them from frozen, but I tend to get them out on Christmas morning and then cook them semi defrosted. Just into a hot oven for at least 45 minutes turning once or twice during the cooking time. xx

[@bridgetregan9408]

Thank you Helen 😊x

[@teresaclark9988]

Hi Helen. Do you defrost the potatoes before you put in oven? Also can overnight oats be eaten hot? Love the video x

[@Helenmaryjo]

I take them out on Christmas morning and then cook them from there, but you can cook them from frozen too. Just make sure you are putting them into a very hot oven for at least 45 minutes, give them a turn half way through xx

[@elainevine3683]

A most enjoyable video Helen, you are super organised for Christmas. I pick up some very helpful hints from you, I do the oats also, delicious, many thanks for all you share. Keep doing it your way, never change what works for you, take care 💗😀

[@Helenmaryjo]

Ah, thank you xx

[@annetteprice9947]

Very enjoyable video. The use of foil trays is genius!! I don’t think I will use a proper dish again. I’ve never made cranberry sauce but your recipe is so simple, I’m going to have a go 😁

[@Helenmaryjo]

Saves a lot of washing up on a day that is full of dishes... xx

[@antjewindhaus6707]

Hi Helen, I really enjoyed watching you cooking in your lovely kitchen 😍 It's a great idea to start preparing some of the Christmas food in advance so that you can also enjoy Christmas Day with your family 😍 🎄 I liked the overnight oats recipe too as it looked yummy 😋 Might try it because I like oats and they are very healthy! Thank you for sharing, Helen ❤ xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Very healthy. Ineed to make them again xx

[@valeriegarner3521]

Overnight oats must be a favourite on cruise ships. I always have it when on a cruise but never got round to doing 15:27 some at home. You have we urged me into doing some

[@Helenmaryjo]

Rob enjoyed it very much. I need to make some more. It's a very healthy breakfast xx

[@maryrose7842]

Good tips on getting ahead for Christmas. I have thrown out my plastic utensils and now use stainless steel or wooden ones. I saw some where they can be toxic .

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@BIRGITTAQF]

So enjoyable to see you make dishes in advance. And I hope you enjoy your time with the thought of family together. I wish I could have my children but they are far away and due to the grandkids separate timetables with respective parents we are not able to be together. I long for a Christmas with my whole family. Enough I will have a good time anyway. ❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

It can be a tough time. Thank you xx

[@Tootsiewalls]

Prep all my veggies before Christmas it makes it so much easier as you say, loved the overnight oats recipe ❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@GabrielleSaunt-v1r]

Hello Helen for the first time in ages I sent back a package to Dunnes. It cost £4.79 which I thought was a different figure to you one day when you said about. I was bothered in case I had to keep package but could send back . I was disappointed these jumpers looked warm. I've seen better even though more pricey. Might take a look in Sainsbury's.😊

[@Helenmaryjo]

Hi, I got it wrong when I returned to Dunnes, I sent it to Dublin when I should have sent it to NI... my mistake. xx

[@PaulineHill-l6s]

Hi Helen, I want to cook a 750 gram gammon in the AirFryer. As I haven’t done it before any tips appreciated x

[@golfingmags5]

Hi Helen, you are a gem…I love watching your prep and have cooked the Tesco potatoes ( 3 for two at £1.35). Make my own croquette potatoes and looking forward to your sausage rolls. Have cheated on the Xmas Cake as bought a Lakeland box with all the ingredients and just had to add an egg😂 but don’t tell anyone. Will try the overnight oats as my husband loved that at breakfast when we cruised with Azamara and think there were grapes in the mix,but apple will be lovely too. Thank you 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Fab, thank you xx

[@ElaineRodgers-gk2dp]

Really enjoyed your video. I was wrapping gifts tonight as im going down to london on Thursday to visit my son. ❤❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

Have fun! xx

[@ElaineRodgers-gk2dp]

Thank you xxx

[@lorraine739]

I was transfixed by that lovely blue you were wearing ❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

Ah, thank you xx

[@christinesmutek3856]

Lovely video. Love to watch you cook. I must get on and make my chestnut pure for the chestnut stuffing. I love it and I could eat just that lol. X

[@Helenmaryjo]

Enjoy xx

[@francestrainor4758]

I've never seen anyone add milk to overnight oats so I've learnt something new. I use faje fat free Greek yoghurt, no sugar at all and twice the protein. And I also grate apples into the mix, but I tend to do that in the morning. And I love sultanas ❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

Nice. xx

[@elianneluxton1730]

All lovely, I suggest a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds with the nuts on the o/n muesli, they’re high in magnesium, great for the bladder and more, as you know!

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@SueCragg-nw2lh]

Thank you, Helen, enjoyed watching you in the kitchen, fabulous recipes and ideas. ❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

You are so welcome! xx

[@maureenormston8356]

I'm hosting Christmas this year 😳😂 and will definitely be prepping my potatoes as you've shown as I remember volunteering to peel the veg on Christmas Day last year - seemed like a good idea at the time 🙄😂😂. Love the overnight oats, will be having a go at that as well. Thanks for sharing 🙂👍.

[@Helenmaryjo]

You can do it! xx

[@maureenormston8356]

@Helenmaryjo thanks and I'm sure a Poinsettia cocktail (or two) will help👍. Cheers 🍹😉

[@Helenmaryjo]

@@maureenormston8356 always! xx

[@EamonnHyde]

Great video Helen thank you. You definitely give us good ideas. Can I ask a quick question do you put the potatoes in the oven from frozen on Christmas morning? Love Jackie xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

You can do, but I tend to take them out in the morning and then cook them when there is space in the oven. xx

[@Crimpycurls]

The overnight oats are also really yummy if you put frozen berries in and they defrost overnight and are quite jammy without the sugar! You could also put nuts in it. Very versatile breakfast ❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

Sounds great! xx

[@aliceinwonderland.2080]

Hi Helen. I can’t believe you can buy pre-packed ready peeled potatoes! We are definitely not as advanced as that here in Greece but to be honest,turkey with all the trimmings isn’t actually the traditional Christmas lunch here. We do have M&S here who import Christmas puds and mince pies so they disappear off the shelves in a flash with many ex-pats living here! I’m a pescatarian so it’s usually a nice piece of salmon for me! I really admire your cooking for eight people and pre-preparation is certainly a great way of reducing the amount of time you have to spend in the kitchen on Christmas Day and I’m sure your meals are always very much appreciated. ❤️🎄

[@Helenmaryjo]

Ah, thank you, it's 12 people now.... haha xx

[@rosemarysouthward5711]

That was very helpful, thank you Helen. I can’t find the link for the grater you used. I think I need this in my life x

[@Helenmaryjo]

I'll add it to the description box now xx

[@rosemarysouthward5711]

@ thank you xx

[@selinawells9901]

Great video Helen! Thank you! 😊

[@Helenmaryjo]

You are so welcome! xx

[@Nellie550]

I enjoyed your Christmas prep, reminded me of when I had lots to cater for , easier now but I do miss it a little bit x

[@Helenmaryjo]

It gets harder work, the older you get..... that's for sure xx

[@Barbara-yj5tl]

I enjoy watching others prep for Xmas. Not that I do any myself these days, we stay in a hotel in the Lake District we’ll be waited on and can’t wait. (I’d be more heavy handed than you with the glugs though Helen hic! :)

[@Helenmaryjo]

Sounds good xx

[@frederikac.5153]

Helen, what do you put on the frozen potatoes before they go in the oven?

[@Helenmaryjo]

I put either vegetable oil or goose fat in the tray before I freeze them xx

[@DinahNash]

Helen just wondering where you got the grater that you grated the apples

[@Helenmaryjo]

I've added it to the description box now. Actually, it's better than than the one I have xx

[@elaine58100]

I absolutely love your cooking segments, especially the short-cuts for Christmas. The vegetarian stuffing looks delicious and I am going to make this. However, is there almonds and chestnuts in it because in the recipe the chestnuts are missing. I know you put chestnuts in, but are there almonds in as well has I don't remember seeing those going in. Thank you once again for all the hard work you put into your videos, it really is appreciated.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Sorry that's my mistake,, chestnuts and almonds are in the recipe. I'll add them to the description box now xx

[@effielarkin3044]

Add cranberries cooked or not cooked to your recipe for banana bread. About 3/4 of a cup. Delicious.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Great idea! xx

[@georginadove4748]

Thank you for doing the video!using the two camera system is so much better from a viewers point of view. I hope you won’t think I’m rude but tbh when doing a cooking video the viewer really doesn’t need to keep seeing you, as lovely as you are, the running commentary is very helpful and all we need really

[@georginadove4748]

Ps running commentary and camera on what you’re cooking is perfectly adequate!

[@georginadove4748]

Ps along with the camera being on what you’re cooking!

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@Suzieplook]

Great video x I have started preparing too ❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

Jolly good xx

[@olivebobo6885]

I really want to see the sausage stuffing as I think I’m going to do that this year.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Yep, that will be in the next prep video xx

[@olivebobo6885]

I’m inspired to do this, this year. My sister and I switch off each year and it’s my turn.

[@Helenmaryjo]

It will help xx

[@sandracalvey8034]

A lovely video. Thanks Helen x

[@Helenmaryjo]

You’re welcome 😊 xx

[@Angela-lg6jz]

Love oats on a cruise I don’t do them at home though. I really should x

[@Helenmaryjo]

So easy and healthy xx

[@anne4083]

Enjoy watching your no nonsense cooking!! 😅(meant in a good way) ❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

😊 thank you xx

[@patriciamay3779]

Helen thanks for good tips. As an aside, you are really looking Slim, what’s the Secret pretty please.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Ah, thank you xx

[@sueamos3860]

I really enjoy your cooking videos x

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you very much xx

[@sheenasmith275]

Love you in the kitchen ❤. Love your vlogs always 😊

[@Helenmaryjo]

Ah, thank you xx

[@lulu6618]

Agree with you on good fats!

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@helenparker3165]

Doesn’t seem that long ago you were showing us recipes for last year. You make things less stressful with your preparations.xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

It really helps xx

[@paulinegiles5757]

Yummy, Dear Helen Yummy Toodles 😊😊

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@effielarkin3044]

Very haPpy that you brought up the issue of using eggs in a recipe. This is really important because some recipes call for eggs at room temperature... And some recipes call for egg yolks only or egg whites only or you can use eggs right out of your refrigerator. Does it make a difference? It sure does. You can blow a Yorkshire pudding by using eggs that are too cold... You can ruin making a spanakopita if the eggs are not at room temperature etcetera etcetera. Always you need to think it out about the eggs do you want them room temperature do you want them a little colder what exactly will help your recipe. I've had scrambled eggs before and I wasn't aiming for that. I'm going back to the video and all the recipes so far look lovely. That vegetarian recipe with a chestnuts for stuffing looks like a winner.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@Homemadepicturemania]

Great recipe 👌🏾 Your hair looks good.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you so much 🤗 xx

[@carolcampbell501]

Delicious. Thanks Helen. Hair is stunning 😊

[@Helenmaryjo]

Ah, thank you xx

[@carolynreeves1713]

Has Rob had a cardiac check up ?

[@YvetteJuniper]

I had to stop having overnight oats because they gave me really bad stomach ache.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Oh, that's a shame. I wonder why xx

[@JanetBrown-px2jn]

My friend had the same problem with overnight oats, but can eat cooked ones with no problem. I eat them hot, as cold oats just doesn’t appeal to me.

[@gabriellerochelle4367]

Isn’t it 3 weeks

[@Helenmaryjo]

It wasn't when I made the video.... xx

[@gabriellerochelle4367]

@Helenmaryjo oh. I'll shut up lol. Was worried you thought you had 4 weeks lol. Don't mean to criticise xz

[@Helenmaryjo]

@@gabriellerochelle4367 Not at all, the time is going quicker than ever! xx