CHRISTMAS PREP PART ONE

[@sarkybugger5009]

I start my Christmas preparations in late October, when I put the sprouts on to boil. 😉

[@thedinnerlady9180]

Haha x

[@CheshireCat6639]

Haha.. i like mine well boiled too..

[@pennykafai4645]

😂 😂- do you also like that purple tinge they get too?

[@parabellum2126]

😆

[@SheilaJewell-fr2jq]

😂😂😂🤣

[@Taia-t6e]

I would rather watch you and your wonderful down to earth channel than any celebrity chef. So informative and down to earth. Thank you so much x

[@carolcrawford9381]

Hi Mand, followed your instructions to make the gravy base and its turned out lovely, but what do I do next to make the gravy Looking forward to part 2

[@LadyAnnaBelle-007UK]

If only schools would play your videos, children would be able to prepare tasty food with ease. Absolutely love your channel. Looking forward to seeing you hit 100,000k in 2025 x

[@thedinnerlady9180]

Thank you so much x

[@LadyAnnaBelle-007UK]

@ my absolute pleasure 💕

[@maureenlowe32]

watching again from New Zealand where Christmas is quite different because it is summer not like the old days in the UK where I lived until I was 73. I celebrated my 90th birthday two weeks ago having said that I watched and enjoyed your preparation ready for the big day and I look forward to the next stage

[@thedinnerlady9180]

Thank you Maureen x

[@Ater_Draco]

Belated Happy Birthday 🎉

[@dee2251]

Watching you do the stock for your gravy, takes me back to when I was a child watching my Nan in the kitchen do her gravy stock. This was back in the mid to late 60’s & 70’s. She’d either have a Capon, or a Turkey for Christmas dinner, along with a leg of pork, and she cooked both Turkey & pork in pork dripping. She’d use the giblets to make the stock and do the roasts in the fat the meat was cooked in, then she’d do the gravy in the meat dish after the roasts were done, using some of the water the veg was cooked in as well. The dog would get the giblets after, but the gravy and roasts were so delicious and so flavourful. She was born in 1918 and had worked in the kitchen of a large house. I followed on with most of her traditions, all except they don’t seem to include the giblets in a bag in Turkeys anymore so I’ll give your way a try.

[@sarahreeder6008]

Thank you so much for sharing your tips for Christmas prep 🙏🤶 it will save a lot of faff on the big day x

[@ruthfuller2105]

First time seeing one of your vids and i was very pleased. At last someone who cooks and explains in simple terms so we can understand. Thank you so much. I will definitely be watching more of your vids. 😊

[@thedinnerlady9180]

Thanks and welcome x

[@charlottebrisco1123]

Thanks so much. I'm hosting Christmas dinner for the first time ever this year and you have saved my bacon

[@PatYoung-at-heart]

I love this lady, such a natural cook. Love the fact she doesnt waste food and scrapes bowls (not like the so called top chefs that leave loads behind) On occasion she reminds me of my maternal Grandmother. ❤ x Thank you.

[@thedinnerlady9180]

Wow, thank you! X

[@pete1927]

I cook the turkey and prep the veg the day before. The reason I do the turkey early is, I pour all the juices and fats in a big jug and let it settle overnight. In the morning I have a jug with fat on the top and gravy stock at the bottom. The fat (of butter, bacon, sausage meat and turkey fats) then is used for my roasties and the flavour is immense, I wish I could bottle it all year round! I do my roasties the Delia way and like you pre baste them early in the morning.

[@speedtriplerider7853]

What a great video, many thanks for that.

[@c.marmion8430]

Wow, that's some serious gravy! 😀

[@sueduquemin7119]

Love to watch your videos as it reminds me of my mum.

[@tiggy2851]

I feel Christmasy now thank you 🎉❤

[@bucko6515]

I have prepped everything that you have showed me here the same as you, the only thing I did change was the parsnips, I part boiled them with the carrots, fingers crossed that they roast good on the day. Looking forward to part 2 Christmas preparation. Xx

[@angelamalpass9763]

This is fantastic mandy...so much information.....ive learnt so much from you...your a gem 💎 xx

[@annemorelli8799]

Really useful tips for saving time on the day ❤

[@shanewarnes7339]

Lovely video again. Keep them coming sweetheart. Xx

[@muwgrad1987]

New subscriber from the US. I have never made gravy with chicken wings, but yours looks so wonderful that I will have to give it a try! Happy holidays to you and yours!

[@thedinnerlady9180]

Welcome! And thank you x

[@jogooge6384]

Brilliant idea, I always promise myself that I’ll do this, maybe this year I will. Need to defrost the freezer to make some room first.

[@lyndseybeaumont7301]

I should do this. I peel the veggies etc but do everything on the big day. This is so much more sensible. Trouble is finding room in the freezer lol. xx

[@thedinnerlady9180]

I know I'm lucky my son had room in. His chest freezer so I could put them there x

[@FluffysMum]

I open freeze on trays, then pack into zip lock bags, takes up less room I find.. Then tip it all out into roasting pans on Christmas day and cook from frozen. ❤

[@bridgetregan9408]

Loved watching your video, can I ask, can I cook the veg from frozen or do I put them in the fridge on Christmas Eve to defrost? X

[@thedinnerlady9180]

​@@bridgetregan9408I defrost mine you can cook from frozen just adjust the cooking times x

[@JudithDev8]

Brilliant video. I didn’t realise it was possible to prepare and freeze the potatoes, carrots & parsnips. A couple of weeks ago I made some mincemeat without peel (I can’t stand it), the recipe I found used vegetable suet and wasn’t cooked but I bet the butter will be tasty. I will try your way next time. Thank you Mandy.🇬🇧

[@babz672]

Salivating watching this lol! Im starving and i can "smell" it! 😁

[@gailadams8553]

Making my gravy now ready for Christmas, such a good idea to help lighten the workload. Many thanks and greetings from Australia xxx

[@tumble444]

Mand! Ok I’ve done the spuds and carrots and parsnips and they’re in the freezer. On the day do I cook from frozen (how long/what temperature) or defrost first?

[@thedinnerlady9180]

You can cook from frozen i defrost potatoes 45 mins carrots and parsnips 25-30 mins x

[@lyndaruff-vg1hw]

Thank you for the video, very good tips there never thought of prepping the carrots and parsnips like that before. ❤❤

[@stellam8157]

Great video. Love it

[@tammydonaldson76]

Loved this video. Thankyou. ❤

[@paulinefriar6916]

That was a work of art! ❤

[@michaeltreadwell777]

That was a great video Mandy. Everything looks gorgeous except roast carrots - hate them ! It has never actually crossed my mind to prep stuff beforehand - what a great idea. I agree about the foil trays - I always use them for a roast dinner. Thanks for all the tips, it all looks fab. Take care 🙂 X X

[@jeangrice5462]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video, Mand. Thank you so much. x

[@lynnedawson4116]

Love your gravy base Mand - in fact, I’ve loved every thing you shown. Never done my own mincemeat, so I’ll be giving that a go ❤️

[@FluffysMum]

It's best made around 3 to four months before Christmas to let the flavours develop. I still have jars from 2 years ago, that will be so flavourful now ❤

[@ianthomas1060]

Our Turkey was having its breakfast with us last year on Christmas Day!

[@promisso]

Loved this - when you were making the mincemeat my mouth was watering I could almost smell it. Thank you so much x

[@lynnrobertson9386]

brilliant i cany wait for xmas, i coming off keto on the 22nd, so i can get used to the shock o carbs, because on xmas day, i having all the things, xxx

[@mariajohnson6400]

❤ Really enjoyed this video

[@dorisriley9467]

Thankyou a very interesting video.

[@amandaterry1964]

I miss my Samsung washing machine! Great tips for getting prepared for the big day. Thank you x

[@thedinnerlady9180]

Haha my kitchen is so small can't get away from the noise but washing needs done 😅 x

[@jennymostert4030]

Enjoyed that, thank you 😊

[@tinadeacon5721]

Fantastic thanks for sharing your tips Mandy I've never thought of preparing the Roast potatoes and carrots and freezing such a great idea

[@annestewart3764]

What a good idea save time on Christmas day

[@katerace9160]

FANTASTIC, THANK YOU ❤

[@lisarose8363]

Hi. Do you cook veg and potatoes from frozen of defrost them first ? Xx

[@thedinnerlady9180]

Either way just adjust cooking time x

[@Soulfulshal1962]

Thank you so much fir a great video - I'm in my 60's and still cook our Christmas dinner the way my Mum still cooks it, lovely to watch and learn from another cook. I shall be cooking my roast potatoes, carrots/parsnips this year, same as you 🙏👏. I've subscribed. Watching from West Wales. Best wishes to you and yours x💐

[@thedinnerlady9180]

You are so welcome! Thank you x

[@hels1941]

I always go to you for your recipes etc

[@JanetBrown-px2jn]

You guys are so well organized, I just watched Helen Mary Jo do the same thing. I remember my mom making mincemeat, she put all the fruit, and suet through the grinder,and didn’t cook it till it was in the pies, and I really loved it.😊

[@maureen-jm-26]

Have you written a cookery book yet with all your lovely recipes ????

[@thedinnerlady9180]

Maybe one day! X

[@pauleccles507]

Well prepared there Mand not like me everything a rush on Christmas morning parsnips with honey best part of Christmas 🎁⛄

[@DeniseTrainor-m6k]

Really helpful and will really help me on the day. Thank you x

[@amandah4834]

Thank you for the great informative video mand everything looked great , Amanda xx

[@jeanparkin3446]

Fantastic video Mandy great tips youve given also ❤❤❤

[@MarjorieOley]

Hi Mandy good to see you back x

[@lizjohnson6324]

Enjoying this thank you xx

[@paulalaye6428]

On my own this xmas but the food was lovely mandy. Take care paulax

[@user-ot2uf4op1q]

Thank you Mandy great video 👏👏I’ve just subscribed this is going to save me so much time

[@thedinnerlady9180]

Thank you and welcome x

[@sharongrace1582]

Thanks Amanda. Really enjoyed the video 🎉. Amazing.

[@countesscable]

I’ve been doing this for years, it’s just so time saving. I also blanch my sprouts and freeze in ziplock bag, cook and mash swede and make stuffing, pigs in blankets. It’s a game changer.

[@LyndaRobinson-sn1ve]

Really enjoyed your flog tonight lots of useful hints Well done Mandy xxx

[@sharongrace1582]

Omg. Absolutely amazing. I’ll not be buying the bisto this year Amanda ❤. Thanks so very much. X

[@jansmith2846]

Can i ask what you do with the cooked chicken wings and veg once you've strained it when making the gravy?

[@thedinnerlady9180]

All there flavour is now in the gravy so I don't use it again x

[@fmcb269]

Masterclass! I'm dribbling into my beard! 😊😊

[@traceysallotmentNcooking]

I love seeing how others do things. My xmas gravy is really different and I have bacon bits in mine x

[@thedinnerlady9180]

Lovely x

[@effielarkin3044]

Hi there. I get what you are doing. Very smart. Unfortunately for me i have excellent cooks in my family and i am cooking non stop the day before and the day of. It just has to be this way. However at some point i will try this way at least a couple of dishes.

[@thedinnerlady9180]

I have to I'm working Xmas eve so need to get ahead x

[@lindabartlett4517]

Did you par boil the parsnips before you put them in the foil pan?

[@thedinnerlady9180]

No just the carrots x

[@amandamorris754]

Hi Mandy, Wow never realised how easy it was to make your own Mince Pies, I'm trying that one thanks for sharing your recipe, I have my elderly parents over for Christmas Day, So your Prepping ahead is a fantastic Idea, But what I am going to do is have a go at your gravy, That looks amazing. x

[@thedinnerlady9180]

Hope you enjoy x

[@stellatron]

I love your video, and that you called a dessert spoon a dessert spoon made me so happy! So fed up of chefs calling everything bigger than a tea spoon a table spoon annoys me! I love being a dinner lady 😊

[@kaib1125]

those foil trays are recyclable i just clean/wipe then put them in the recycling bin :D

[@MarjorieOley]

I have cooked some roast potatoes today for tea your way Mandy thanks for the tips x

[@GeraldineDaly-j8y]

Great tips - I’m making my gravy this morning. Can I ask you what oven gloves you use? I need some new ones and yours look great!

[@thedinnerlady9180]

We got them on amazon pioneer safety x

[@rebeccatayler]

Lovely job Mandy,your a great cook 😊

[@ellencarver5575]

You certainly are an amazing cook I will be using your tips that’s for sure excellent work and thank you

[@mandyb4140]

TBH I always use boiling water when doing roast potatoes, never thought of adding a stock cube to the water tho, I'll have to add chicken stock pot to the shopping list and try it.

[@pennykafai4645]

The only thing I would ever pre prep is roast the Turkey purely because I strip it of its meat so I can boil the carcass for stock for the gravy. I do peel all the veg the evening before. It doesn’t take that long to do and it has worked well for me since I have been making Christmas lunch - 50+ years. Thanks for your take on Christmas lunch prep.

[@stepheboyd17]

Tut tut from an Irish Mum. Cold water for spuds and barely cover them with water. 😂😂

[@cecemax2604]

Thank you Mandy this is so helpful ❤😊

[@TheYorkshirelady]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 grand job Mand, thank you loads. ❤

[@jimthatcher3952]

I'm a new fan and subscriber, Mand. And it looks like I'm just in time! I always panic at Xmas with the dinner! I'm going to do all the prepping you suggest. Will you be telling us the actual cooking times for on the day?

[@thedinnerlady9180]

Thanks for subbing! Yes i will I defrost them first 40 mins for the roast potatoes 20-25 mins for the carrots and parsnips x

[@jimthatcher3952]

​@thedinnerlady9180 thanks. I'll let you know the results!

[@lynnemckenzie8679]

Thank you great video ❤

[@katmayful]

My fridge won't hold all the pre cooked food to pre heat on Christmas day.. And how do you get it all in the oven. Timing is the thing I know. Never been good at that! 🤔

[@thedinnerlady9180]

After the roast comes out and resting the trays fit in length way stuffing on the bottom sprouts in a pan heat the gravy add the roast juices once there cooked and when you are dishing up yorkies in job done x

[@imo1751]

Good grief, I could smell that gravy, it would make a good soup too

[@thedinnerlady9180]

Definitely x

[@deniseduffey22]

Sprouts for me yum 😊

[@smiley9872]

I love them too, use to hate them, 'til I learned how to cook them.

[@thedinnerlady9180]

All the family love them just don't boil them to death x

[@deniseduffey22]

@smiley9872 Put chopped up bacon in with sprouts nice 👌

[@smiley9872]

@@deniseduffey22 oh yes

[@jonathanbailey1810]

Fart marbles!

[@bridgetregan9408]

Can I ask you, do you cook veggies from frozen on Christmas morning, or do you defrost in fridge the night before? Love your videos x

[@thedinnerlady9180]

I defrost so.less cooking time but you can cook from frozen just adjust the cooking time x

[@stevenmcdonnell3011]

Love it Amanda. Thank you x

[@jooniejoon728]

i was just wondering about the potatoes discolouring because of the lack of liquid? Tho i am very tempted to try it !!

[@thedinnerlady9180]

They are coated in duck fat now keeps the colour x

[@jooniejoon728]

I have done a tester and your right they are all covered! Looking forward to roasties next week....thanks x

[@carolburke9153]

Carrotts are already sweet !

[@thedinnerlady9180]

Yes they are! But nicer with a bit of honey x

[@lornakook4917]

Your videos are so lovely. I love that your washer is going into orbit just like mine does. X

[@donnapalaussie19]

Great idea Mand, looks like a lovely Christmas spread love 😊❤ P.s., I hate my washing machine song lol it gets stuck in my head arghhhh!! 😅

[@thedinnerlady9180]

Haha i know what you mean x

[@ElaineMarshall-bm9rl]

Lovely prep. Thos3 chicken wings looked big. Could I be cheeky and ask where you got them from

[@thedinnerlady9180]

Iceland x

[@Gillian-p6r]

Love the video, what we call "honest home cooking". Just a little question though, "the dates" you used in the mincemeat were they actually prunes?

[@thedinnerlady9180]

Dates we have a way shop in town so just got a few didn't need loads x

[@StorieswithT]

Such lovely ideas! May I ask, is there a specific reason why you put the half cooked food in the freezer and not the fridge?

[@thedinnerlady9180]

It's what the supermarkets do frozen veg as you blanched first doing your own is the same x

[@soniahanrahan1240]

Wish I thought about prepping when my girls were children back in the 90's, the only thing I don't prep weeks in advance is the potatoes and meat. Now we have our Christmas Dinner Christmas eve, I make loads so we got a choice of another roast dinner or bubble and squeak with cold meat, that way I have a chilled day and not stress about the Christmas day dinner

[@thedinnerlady9180]

Definitely x

[@katmayful]

Good. On you boiling water.. If it works just do it.. Thanks

[@claireknox6573]

Hi , lo e your videos , so informative and down to earth . Just wondered , on your potato and carrot/parsnip prep , do you cook them from frozen on the day or defrost first ? Thanks , Claire

[@thedinnerlady9180]

I defrost but you can cook from frozen just adjust the cooking time x

[@claireknox6573]

@thedinnerlady9180 Thanks for that , much appreciated . Have a lovely Christmas x

[@thedinnerlady9180]

@claireknox6573 your welcome have a great Christmas 🎄 x

[@smiley9872]

I believe aniseed is beautiful in the gravy, have you any thoughts on it?

[@thedinnerlady9180]

Star anise is nice just a hint but family love it old school so stick with what works for us x

[@smiley9872]

@@thedinnerlady9180 100%

[@juliefrancis2383]

Hello, I absolutely love mincemeat and our local grocery ( I live in the US)actually had a brand from England and I purchased it. However, it tasted just like vinegar...it should not right? Anyway I returned it, so disappointed because I thought what a Christmas treat.

[@thedinnerlady9180]

It should never taste like that think it's gone sour x

[@AnielaOrme]

😅 where do you get your oven gloves from please?

[@thedinnerlady9180]

Amazon x

[@Georgie-G58]

I always squash everything when serving including the chicken wings you get lots of juices if you do that you probably would have got half again doing it that way 👍

[@Ater_Draco]

This is so helpful, thank you ❤ I should make more ahead of the day. Definitely going to try adding a stock pot to the potato water! I make gravy similar to yours for Christmas. I take the potato masher to the chicken and veg before I add flour and water, to get out as much flavour as possible. Also, I use water from the par boiled potatoes / carrots to make the stock. Have a wonderful Christmas 🎄 ❤

[@susanlindarice]

great video

[@Bilbo-Cooks]

Ya washer plays music .. Quality

[@Beruthiel45]

I thought it was mine. I'm in western Canada but we must have the same machine. 😅

[@helenweatherby1694]

I add a tbsp of wholegrain mustard to the parsnips and carrots.