Today we have a really special guest on Cooking with Friends. She's a gangster on and off TV. She's an actor, a singer, a writer, but her most important title is being my best friend. Woohoo. She is Saraphina Harrian from Mobland. Ali Rajan from CSI, Charlotte. She voice from Peppa Pig, but here we lovingly call her Mandy. Mandy Dylan, welcome to Cooking with Friends who don't cook. So Mandep has sworn to me every single time we're in the kitchen that she's going to learn recipes. But what actually ends up happening somehow is I cook and she does the yapping. So um today we're not going to let that happen. Today we're in the kitchen and she's going to be making the food with me, if not doing most of the work. >> You ready? >> Yeah, I think so. I'm a little bit nervous. Do >> you know what we're making? >> Yeah, >> but I don't go quite know how. >> Tell the people we're making um mac and cheese and we're making cornbread. >> Yes. I've never made cornbread before, but Mandy loves cornbread and she's been talking about it quite a bit. So, we're actually going to make some from scratch for her. I'm really excited. >> I'm a little bit nervous about the cornbread part of it. >> Why? >> I don't know. >> The best part is experimenting, >> right? >> Okay. So, I think what we're going to do is we have to get started by doing the cornbread so that can be put to bake. So, we're going to need a mixing bowl for this. We're going to pass that to you and then you're going to do the rest of it. >> Guys, I'm actually really nervous. >> Um, so usually what happens is you add in the dry first. >> Right. >> So, all the dry stuff. You put all the dry stuff in. >> I want you to put the two flowers in. And while you do that >> Oh my days. Is there a way to put it in? Just whack it. >> Just whack it in. >> Yeah. Um, okay. One thing I actually want you to talk about is how you started your acting, singing, creative journey because I'm going to pass it to you just so >> I wouldn't actually call this dry. >> It looks moist. >> Yeah, it does look. That's cuz it's brown sugar. So nice. Like molasses. But put it >> Yeah. Brilliant. >> This bacon. >> Yeah. Choke it in. >> Is it baking powder? >> Baking powder. >> Let me get you. Okay. So, wait. So, we want to talk about my >> Why? What acting? I want to talk about how you got into acting cuz I >> well I just love poker hunters growing up. >> Yeah. >> Um and so she inspired me to act and so did Shal Khan. >> Shah Khan a Bollywood actor. The most famous Bollywood actor in our day. >> Basically he's incredible. Um and I don't fancy him. I love him. >> Yeah. >> It's a different >> distinction. >> Yeah. Um so basically then I wanted to be an actress but I didn't really know how to go about it. >> Okay. >> So and there was I was grew up in Hartford so there's not really any acting things there. So, I just found this book online called the Spotlights book and I um emailed every single agent on that book. >> I No, I didn't think I knew that. >> Oh my god. Stop it. >> Oh my gosh. How many people was that? >> No, like over a hundred. And one got back to me and I wasn't going to email her because she rep someone from Eastenders that I loved. >> Right. And then >> and I didn't think that she would she would take me on. >> And then she got back to you. Just everyone, I'm putting that the apple cider vinegar into the milk. >> Why? >> Because it's going to end up kind of curdling a little bit like buttermilk. So, we're gonna mix that up. >> Yeah. >> And uh you keep telling the story. >> So, basically, I emailed every single agency. Only she got back to me. Um and then she said, "Come to my workshops." Then I went to her class for like 3 weeks. Then she put me on her books. And then I got my first audition. >> What was that for? >> A film called Some Dogs Bite. >> Oh, did you do it? >> Some Dogs Bite. Yeah. >> Oh, >> yeah. I done it. I was in Manchester filming for six weeks. Oh my gosh, I forgot some girls in the intro. Oh, some Gal. >> She did a show called Some Girls, which whenever we're stopped on the street, a lot of people stop you for that. It was like a legendary show in the UK, actually. Oh, you know what you need to do? You need to melt the butter. >> How? That's what you're going to find. So, bring the butter over here. >> Where is the butter? This? >> Yeah, that one. >> But it's vegan butter. >> It's vegan butter. >> And then you're going to measure out here. Use this knife. And then you're going to measure out a/4 cup of butter. >> Little bit less than this. >> Yeah. And then you're going to melt it. >> Oh my days, bro. This, by the way, can I just let you know this doesn't t smell like butter? >> It does. >> It doesn't. >> Doesn't. It really does. >> But it tastes like butter. >> But it tastes like acts like butter. >> That's all that matters. >> Okay. So, what do you feel like was the highlight so far of your acting journey? >> Um, every little step has been exciting. I remember when she just when she's like, I want to take you on my books. I got in my car and cried before I made it. >> Really? >> Didn't have one thing behind my Yeah. Um, so that was great. Obviously, Some Girls was amazing. Changed my life really. It got me in. I need something to scoop it. Great. It got me um It got me into the my foot in the door and realized I was funny. >> Yes. >> Isn't that exciting? >> People told you you were funny before that? >> No. People just said annoying. >> Um, and then what was the hardest part of being an actor? Like when you were when you first started up acting, what was something that really surprised you about acting that you >> The first time I didn't get a role. >> Yeah, >> I was really rejected. >> And then >> it broke my heart. >> Do you just have to get used to rejection? >> Yeah, I got really thick skin. >> Really? >> Which is crazy because I don't in love. >> Let's talk about that. >> Love. >> What do you think your ideal partner is? >> Gosh. I mean, >> let's manifest this. >> Okay. So, okay. He's fit as f. Okay, great. What is that? What does that What is that look for you? Like what is that? >> A beautiful face, good teeth, lovely eyes, um kind eyes, a physique. >> Yeah. Like be a bit You haven't got to be hench cuz that would scare me. And I don't want you to be too skinny either and and not >> take care of yourself basically. >> Okay. >> Um I think this is nearly melted. Hey, vegan vegan ones melt quicker than um normal butter. >> This one. >> Okay. Okay. So, well, you come over here. >> Well, actually, it's not fully melted yet. Should I just leave this on here? >> No, I think it's good. >> Should I cut Bring it over there? >> Yeah, bring it over here. >> Okay. So, we've got your physical attributes. >> Nice. >> Step one done. Um, so yeah, I don't really care about like what color their hair is. >> Okay, >> that stuff doesn't matter to me, >> right? >> Um, and then you be funny, be funny. Um, like make me laugh. Be ambitious. Be emotionally available. >> Yeah. >> Emotionally intelligent. >> Keep it going. >> Make me feel safe, secure, all of that jazz. Do not be a red flag. >> Right. >> Do not love bomb me. Do not Can you guys tell We're going to cut to an ad break right here. >> No, please keep going because right now what we're doing is we're we're creating this person into existence. >> Yeah. Okay. Great. So, um, I just want them to have intention and also be ready to date. >> Don't be on no dating apps if you're not done with your ex. >> That's got nothing to do with anyone she's recently dated. >> Not at all. >> No, >> nothing. That is hypothet hypothetical situation. >> But basically, no. Um, also I would like a man of God as well. Like have some have faith in God please because I do and I'd quite like to pray with you. >> Tell me how you ended up practicing the faith that you do. Well, I grew up in a um like seek >> get a pan. >> Punjabi seek. Yeah. >> But because I am a little bit of a coconut, meaning brown. >> Tell people what coconut is. >> Coconut means brown on the outside, white in the middle, >> which is what I am. Uh I'm not obviously, but I'm not very good at my at Punjabi. So when I'd go to the temple, yeah, I'd feel so like a relaxed and like whatever, but I didn't understand what they were saying. I didn't understand God's word through it. Um, and then when was it 2019? I really got curious about Jesus. >> Literally, I was like, who is this Jesus guy and why is everyone so like in love with him? And then I remember going to my friend's house, picking her up and her next door neighbor had, "Holy Spirit lives here above the house and I'm scared of ghosts." So I was like, "Is that a scary thing?" And she said, "No, it's a beautiful thing." And I was like, "Oh, okay." So I was like, "Let me just see who this Jesus Christ." >> It gets really mixed up now. I'm really enjoying mixing it. >> Yeah. No, you did a really good job. >> Thank you. And then that was it. I started going to church. >> Amazing. >> Yeah. And at that time, I was in such a crossroads in my life and um everything was telling me to uh take a leap of faith and break up with my ex who was about to who I was about to buy a yard with. >> Oh, >> yeah. Can you believe that? Like big big grown-up things. And then right at the last minute, God was like, "No, I can't have you do this." >> And so you didn't. >> So I didn't. And then you focused on God. Focus on God. And then went into lockdown. Woohoo. Did not learn how to make bread with the rest of the world. They did do that. >> Yeah. Didn't didn't do any of that. I feel like it's smelling more like cornbread. Yeah. Okay. I'm nervous about this cuz my hands aren't that big. >> I'll hold it. You scoop it. >> Great. Team work makes a dream. >> Oh, it looks like the right texture. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I don't know. >> I don't know either. But I love cornbread with all my heart. And sometimes I'm in the UK. This is the best cornbread you've ever had. >> It better be. If not, do you know where I'm going after? >> I won't. >> A I won't. I won't. >> Such a g You know what you can do? Get that. And then can you grab the spatula from the drawer? >> Yeah, fine. Cuz otherwise >> This is a spatula, isn't it? >> No, it's a spoon. >> You know what you have to do? I need to give you all these utensils and you have to name what they are. >> Great. >> Where am I getting the things from? Uh, yeah. Find the spatula. It's in one of those drawers. Is this a spatula? No. Oh, kind. Is that a spatula? What do you guys call the other spatula? Is this a spatula? >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> What the hell? Why don't I know this sort of stuff? >> So annoying. >> Thank you. My loves dancing. That's basically all she does. Okay, we're going to put this in. >> That's fun. And then I thought to really um test our friendship because we get gassed up thinking that we're really good friends, but I thought we could do the friendship test. >> Oh, exciting. What is it? >> Um it's some questions that we have to answer >> about each other. >> About each other. >> This is so exciting. I can't >> Let me put this in. >> Should I open the oven for you? >> Yeah. >> How long you going to put it on for? >> I'm going to put it on for about >> 30 minutes. Okay. L's going to ask us the questions. >> Yeah. and then we have to answer them and we'll see if we get the same answer. >> Okay, friendship test. >> Let's go. >> What is Mandep's pet peeves? >> Oh, I know. >> Journaling. >> That is actually Go on. >> Three, two, one. Hold it up. >> Mine's going to be completely different to yours. >> A man not >> taking the lead. >> Taking the lead and >> making me do all the talking. Okay. That's a recent thing that just happened, so it's in her mind. I have unclean hair and bad breath. Yeah. Awful. >> Like hygiene. >> Oh, yeah. Like wash your hair. >> Hygiene. >> Yeah. >> If got stuck on a desert island, what are three things she would take? >> Desert island. >> Okay. Ready? >> One, two, three. What did you write? >> Yes. Oh, see we did not go. I said snacks, glass water, and beads. My meditation be you said a good moisturizer. That's true. >> Sun cream, a lip color, >> a nice lip color, >> and booty bands. Basically, >> honestly, all if I had six, those would be the six. >> If Naz was pursuing a completely different job, what would she be >> if she wasn't doing what she's doing? >> Yeah. >> Okay. She would be Oh, no. She already knows. >> I know. Cuz I want it to be one once. I want a dime. >> Three, two, like a stripper or something. I was going to do hairdresser cuz I knew you told me you wanted to be here, but just cuz she's got the moves for one, you know. >> Yes. Drop it to the floor and get low. >> Exactly. >> Thanks so much. Really appreciate that. Although I don't like strip clubs. >> No, she actually >> I once went to a strip club. >> It's more about the moves. I should have just said dancer, but she's already a dancer. >> She didn't like the strip club. >> Yeah. >> Was on the prayer line at 5:00 a.m. >> No, actually on the prayer line. >> Went to the strip club first time in her life and last time in her life and then at 5:00 a.m. she was on the prayer line. And I had all these aunties like literally praying for me and I was like I feel so dirty. >> Yeah. >> I got three lap dances. >> And I didn't like them. Not by my choice either. >> Was a horrible experience and I've never been able to wear the same outfit. >> Anyway, >> that that was bad. >> Okay, Peter. >> If Robbie was late to an event. >> Yeah. >> What excuse would she use? >> What excuse would I use? Um, >> you got to read this exactly how how I >> Wow. Okay. I know it's not gonna be work meeting Bradley. >> Oh my Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. There was so much traffic and I had to aim film >> and I had to film so much content, but I'm here now. How are you? >> Honestly, yeah. >> What did you write? >> Yeah, I said uh work meeting my leg, which essentially would be content filming >> 100%. >> Okay, last two. >> Last two. >> What was uh what is Mandep's most used phrase or Easy. >> Three, two, one. In it. Waist man. Brush man. What? >> Rotted. Bomb. Classed. In it. >> Oh yeah. But waist or brush man too. They should be on there. >> In it. >> I'm sorry. What did you say? >> In it. >> Waist man. Brush man. >> Waist man or brush man. Swear. Oh, brush man back. That's what I say a lot. And rotted. Bomba clotted. >> Look behind the door. It's from It's from something from when I was younger. It's like very British. >> Very British red flag. >> What is Ronnie's biggest red flag >> about me? What's my red flag? >> I don't know if I can be >> I don't know if I can be that legally honest. >> Oh yeah. >> Um it's um >> what is Rod's thing? Oh, I know. I've got a good one. >> Okay, great. Um, >> what do my No, we know what my red bag is. Toxic. >> I have toxic thoughts sometimes, but I don't act on them. That's gross. >> All right, I'm just going to say this because I don't know why I was crying all the time. Not close. Oh, you know what? I'll take that. There's way worse ones, but I think that we're not allowed to disclose them. >> Yeah. What did you say? >> Um, crying all the time. >> I love that you cry. >> Oh, thanks. Great. >> That was really fun. >> Book. Take that. And now we have to get started. I actually feel like I'm sweating because that felt like a test. >> Yeah. Talking about mac and cheese, we have to get the mac and cheese started. Totally forget about that. What junior do you want? >> Um I would quite like the lemon one, but not >> Well, what lemon one you going to give me? >> But you know what? I'm going to make it into a little Oh, >> junior down. I'm going to make do the junior down. Juny down. I'm going to show everyone how I like to drink my Juni. Be right back. I'm drinking a matcha that she made me this morning. Hello there. My name is Mandy. I really can't wait to play an Irish character in something, but I really hope that people don't take the piss out of my accent. Like, >> what about Scottish? >> I can't do it. All I can say in Scottish is, "Baby Reindeer, >> sit down." No. >> Oh, Mandy is so good at accenting. >> Birmingham. >> Birmingham is um Birmingham. >> How you doing? You all right? All my cousins speak like this. Basically, they used to be like, "Mandy, stop smoking." I don't smoke anymore. Have you done your Indian accent? No, I haven't. Well, I've been doing it throughout the whole thing. Oh, yeah. I like to do an Indian accent every now and then. >> Oh, do the um the crown. >> Oh, absolutely, darling. Sit down. Oh, did he go mad? He went mad, didn't he? >> Ew. Yes. Disgusting. It must be >> I wish that I could be in the crown, but I can't. Uh, yeah, I can't. My American accent is kind of like this, but I'm trying to learn how to not go hard on my Rs because Lai tells me off. So, yeah. This is like my valley girl. Um, I've got a friend called my last names. >> Yeah, as long as you still like them. >> I love her. Paula Ashby. >> Oh, yeah. We love Paula Ashby. >> Paula Ashby. She's like my American auntie slash >> Oh, do that accent. >> And she's like every man deep. I'm telling you that man's rejection is God's protection. Okay. He don't You don't even like him. You told me you thought he was boring. So, I don't know why you crying for her. >> Legit her. I love her. Oh, she's smells incredible. And she's my um I think she's like 60some. Isn't it so interesting? We could have friends who are much older than you and it's beautiful. >> I love her age gap. >> Age gap, but not a romance age gap. Been there, done that. Wanted a t-shirt. >> She has been there, done that. Cheers. >> Oh my gosh. This is literally my favorite flavor at the moment. >> No, that's banging. Okay, stop stalling. Let's make this mac and cheese. So, I'm going to let you boil the pasta over there. How much water do I put in? How much water do you put in? Oh, you know what? I'm going to use what blender am I going to use? >> Who knows this stuff? Also, I'm the youngest. I'm not It wasn't made to make food. I was made this stuff. >> Okay, so yeah, this mac and cheese is basically one of my favorite like go-to recipes whenever I want a proteini meal, but I want something that feels really cheeky. But it's not cheeky at all. It's actually so tasty, so phenomenal. Um, but it's also really healthy, really good for you, and high in protein. And it has been such a treat. Every time someone comes over and I make it, they can't believe that it's actually not an indulgent mac and cheese recipe. >> Last question. Is that enough water? >> I think so. Then why are you adding more water? >> Just in case. >> Okay. And all right. And what level do you want it on? Big or in medium or small? >> That's good. Big. big. Um, what I love about this recipe is it's literally you throw everything into the blender, warm up the sauce, mix in the pasta, and then I like to make it into a bake where um, I put breadcrumbs and stuff on top. But you don't even have to do that. You can have it just as plain. >> I'm really excited to try this. >> I know. I'm excited for you. Okay, so I'm going to pass you the thing. You pour it into the blender. >> A Z blender >> and tell everybody what the ingredients are. >> Right. I know what this is cuz you you put this in quite a lot and you say, "Oh my god, can you believe it? There's a whole silken tofu thing wrapped up in that and you would never know. I do say that. >> Oat milk. >> Uh, soy milk. >> Soy milk. Chalk that in. Nutritional yeast which gives a cheesy flavor. Interesting. You know what's so interesting is I'm not very good with my smells. All my taste buds. Do you remember that time when I said, "Oh my god, this dessert tastes amazing." And everyone was like, "It's disgusting." >> Yeah. Few times that's happened. >> Yeah. And when people would say, "Oh, um, what's this? >> I don't know. Smell it." >> Huh? >> Taste a little bit of it. Like take a bit of >> I'm scared to. >> Yeah. Just do it. What if it's horrible? What if I hate it? >> You won't. You might. >> What the is that? >> Miso. It gives a umami taste. >> Oh. >> Oh, no. Oh, bloody hell. Okay. Right. That's that. And then we're going to throw this in. This is vegetable stock powder. And then you're going to get Oh, I've got a spoon here. We're going to throw >> Hey, no. I want to do this. You do it. But you don't trust me with that. I do actually. Mustard. Here you go. Thank you. And then you're going to add in these spices. Uh great. Here you blend this up. I'm going to check on the pasta water. How long for? It feels really It still looks really smooth. Right. >> Okay. That's done. That's done. Um, so one thing I feel like most people I mean I feel like it's something you really realized when you were doing it, but when they casted you in Mob Land. >> Yes. >> They didn't realize that they were post casting a South Asian girl. >> No, they didn't. >> And how much noise it made in our community. >> Um, so talk to me about the fact that, you know, obviously when you are someone who's in a minority, when you're end up end up being casted in something, >> it can be a lot of pressure, but it can also mean you represent something. Yeah. >> Um, how was that dynamic for you when you were like casted in you were the only South Asian in that in that season, right? >> Yeah. >> Tell me more about that and like cultural representation and stuff. Has that been something you've been aware of since day one? >> Yeah. And no, I think it's interesting for me cuz I didn't grow up your normal South Asian uh way. >> Yeah. Like not not like all my South Asian friends, I did not grow up in that typical way. >> So um that was interesting. And what I saw on TV was not what I knew. If that makes sense. >> Yeah. >> So stuff like some girls and this like a just a Indian character being um naughty like wanting boys it not really being about her culture is everything. And Mobland is completely like the most furthest I've been from playing South Asian character. >> Yeah. And it's so interesting because most people who are casted, if they are South Asian, they are given a very distinct South Asian flare. Like you are Indian in this show. Whereas when you watch Mobland, >> you're just playing a character. >> Just a character, which I love. And I'm so grateful that they done that. And they didn't know they done that. Actually, I don't think they realized just how much uh it meant to Punjabis or South Asians across the world. Like, and I've told the producers as well, I'm like, "Do you realize what you what you've done by casting me?" and they were like, "No, we didn't even think of that. We just liked your tape." >> Hopefully now they can't kill you off or anything. >> Yeah. Don't kill me off, please. Um, but it was great. And also, can we just also please manifest there being so many more roles where Indian characters are just Indian characters. >> Yeah. >> And it's not it's not just um do you know what I mean? Like just tell stories. It's not got to be about your heritage or your background. It's let us just be. Do you um regret not going to college or uni or anything or do you feel like it really allowed you to be in the path that you're in now? >> I don't regret it at all >> because also I got what I would have wanted from uni dancing >> without doing it night life. >> Oh wild times through um my sister through my sister. She went to uni at the same time that I went to college in London. So I would bunk the train and then I would um go out raving with her. >> So the just the party laugh >> basically. Yeah. Basically, yeah. But no, I don't really cuz I just on the job and I've learned so much on the job. And also all the people that I know who went to drama school, you're 3 years out and you're not guaranteed anything. Oh. Oh, cornbread's done. >> Let's go. Calm bread. Calm bread. Cornbread dance. >> Oh, it actually smells and looks divine. >> No, that actually smells really good. Oh my god, it looks so soft. Nice. Is it butter? Yeah, I think they put butter on it. Give it a nice Oh. We'll soon find out. I'm so intrigued about this. Me, too. But I'm pretty impressed. Me, too. It looks really yummy. The color looks golden. >> It smells incredible. Okay. Nice. My mom's going to be so proud of us doing this. >> Okay. Well, um, your pasta water's been ready. >> Then throw in the pasta. >> Just throw it in. >> Yeah. >> Even though it's boiling water. >> Yeah. Throw it in. We're using >> I'm scared. I'm scared. I'm scared. We're using um bananza cover kabat tapi kav kabat tabi >> kabati >> kabat tapi. >> It's like a swirly pasta. Now, as you can see, look at this mac and cheese sauce. It is. Get in there. Look how like thick and creamy it looks. >> This looks exactly like how I imagined, you know, like the box craft mac and cheese. >> That's like the texture of the sauce. >> My favorite mac and cheese growing up was Hines from a can. So tell me uh what the best things that you've learned about yourself in therapy are and what the best part about therapy has been because you've been doing it for years now. >> Yeah, I've been doing it for ages. The best thing I've learned about myself in therapy is that I can handle absolutely anything and everything. >> Yeah, your life has taught you that though. Manny's had a >> wild life. >> Wild life and her positiveness and the way that you are able to see life in such a bright way from the things that you've been through from childhood to now >> is actually insane. It's incredible. It is amazing. Although I still have my little moments of like, >> you know, but yeah, overall I'm proud of myself. It's also taught me that it's so important to heal your inner child >> and like take care of your inner child and reparent myself. I've had to I've had to be my mom and my dad again for me. >> Yeah. >> And it's so important like otherwise you you I I would just be let loose. I do everything and anything and I wouldn't go to bed and I wouldn't eat right and I wouldn't all of that stuff really comes from taking care of little Rody or little man. >> I know you always say that. What would little Rody? >> Yeah. What what would little Rody want? Um so that's my main thing with therapy. I think it's helped me heal her who felt really sad and rejected and whatever. >> And I feel like it's really worked. >> Yeah, it has. There's little moments but it does it does it does really help. Um I don't I don't know who I'd be without therapy if I'm honest. But also like even therapy will bring up stuff that you never realize it's going to bring up. Like I would never have gone to India and met my granddad if I didn't if I wasn't having therapy. >> Oh yeah. Do you mind sharing that story? Cuz I actually think it's a really um it's cute, isn't it? >> It's just a sweet lesson for people to realize like that time is limited. >> Yes. >> And while you do that, I'm going to get the next segment ready. But >> I'm nervous about the next segment cuz you said I have to blindfolded. >> Yeah, you do. >> Is there anything like texture wise? I'm not going to lie. >> No. >> I hate textures. That's a That's a pet peeve. >> Yeah. >> Textures. >> No. Why would I do that to you? >> I don't know. >> You're going to do it. I see a little little cheeky look. >> You tell your sweet granddad's story. >> Okay. So, I didn't grow up with my dad. Um so, I didn't know any of my dad's side of the family, but then I was having therapy and um I told my therapist a story about my granddad and how it was his last dying wish to meet all of us three again before he died. And uh I sat in therapy. I spoke about it. bowled my eyes out and was like, "Oh my god, I think he's going to die. He's 98. Like, what if I don't give him that last dying wish?" And the only reason we were able to be in England and live in our lives was because of him as well. >> And so the Tuesday after I was on a flight to India with my sister, the only person like wild enough to say, "Yeah, let's do it." In the middle of June and uh I met him for a week and it changed my whole life. It changed my identity. I would have introduced myself to you as Mandy before. Hence why my Instagram was Mandy with an I. So annoying because I was having an identity crisis. Um, from that moment, Mandep like my my roots completely and it gave me paternal love. It like skipped a generation of paternal love >> which was and he was amazing and he knew straight away. He's like they were like, "Do you know who this is?" He's like, "Yes, Mandep." Imagine that. It's so nice that you can look past something that is so painful >> and still try and repair with someone that you technically have a negative initial reaction to. >> All my life I that if someone said anything about my granddad or that side, I'd be so hostile. >> I'd be like, I don't want to know them. Forget them. They don't want us. Blah blah. Like I'd be so negative towards them and met him and he was the sweetest, wisest little owl in the world. >> That's so nice. I'm so happy you did that. >> Me, too. And then he died. And I knew he was going to die. I knew he was going to die. >> Yeah. It was a beautiful week. And it was so interesting saying goodbye to him for the first time. And the last time I was like, >> first time and >> the last time. And I remember like I remember looking at him and he's just sat there all sweet and fragile. And I went and I was like, >> "No, I need to go back and get one more hug. Like I'm not going to see him again." >> Grandparent love is completely different. >> And I'd never felt that before. >> Yeah. You never had that? >> I'd never had that. And like even my sister was winding me up in front of him and he like had my back and I was like that's what it's like to have someone to have your back. >> Beautiful feeling in the world. >> You know what? With love like that, even if you experience it for a short period of time, >> it makes up for like lifetimes of not having it. >> It may not be. >> I'm so sorry. I've got this in my hand while I'm talking about Okay. I'm nervous. DON'T BE. NOW, what we're going to do is Mandy really dislikes trying new food. She used to. Since we've been friends, she's really changed and Well, you've given me no option. >> Yeah. So, she's really expanded. >> No, I'm actually nervous. >> Horizon. >> Okay. The first thing you're You have to guess what these things are. Okay. >> Well, am I touching them or am I eating them? >> You're You're eating them and touching them. >> Duh. >> Okay. I'm right. Fine. What are you going to do with me? Where is it? >> I I'm going to give you warning of everything. >> Warning. Warning. I get it on from when I walk in. Okay. Where? Where are you? Ah. I don't want to just open my mouth. >> Here. I'm going to put it next to your nose. Hold it. Hold it in your hand. >> Okay. >> Smell it. >> That smells like meat. >> And take a bite. >> You never give meat. >> No, obviously not. >> I like this. >> Oh, what does it taste like? >> Like turkey. >> Oh, it's toe turkey. >> That's really nice. Oh my god. Why have you not been giving me this? >> I just I just bought it for this show. >> Is it protein? >> Yeah. >> Oh, I'll eat the rest of it. >> Wow. So, you actually like that? >> Yeah. That actually tastes better than turkey. >> Baby, come with me. Well, my heart still be there. Come cry with me. >> I'm going to have to feed you this. >> No, I'm scared. >> No, don't be. >> Can you just give me it? >> Smell it. >> Okay, now open your mouth. No, >> I can't smell it. >> Open your mouth. >> What is it? >> Yeah. Do you like jelly? Oh my god, you're actually easier than I thought. >> Wow, that's so yummy. >> Yummy. Here you go. >> What's this now? Give me your hand. Okay, tell me what it tastes like. What? It tastes like >> smells smokeoky. >> Okay. What the It is edible. I promise. Flip dip. Is this Oh, is this like some beef jerky stuff? Yes, it's mushroom jerky. You know what? You're actually really good at this. >> And the last one. You've actually done really well with this. >> Oh, you're not going to feed the You're scared to feed you this one. >> I'm scared now again. >> What does that taste like? >> This is rank. >> What is this? >> It's a seamos gummy. >> Oh, why would you give me something like that? You did really good in that. >> I don't even know if this is good for you. >> Oh, I'm eating the sea. >> It's actually just >> Is it really algae like before? >> No, you actually need to eat one now as punishment. >> Okay, take you can take your head thing off. You did a really good job there, everyone. >> I didn't enjoy that. >> No, but that just shows you that you're actually better with textures than you think. Okay, bravo, Mandy. Great job. Now, we're going to have to mix this with the pasta and we're going to have to bake it. Okay. >> Cuz it's a bit hot for you. >> I love that she's like, I'm going to do this. >> I know. >> All right. >> You're so good at all of this, aren't you? Also, I think you've got a good hand grip. >> I have a good hand grip because um >> Is it working out? >> No, it's also my hands can also handle a lot of um heat. So can mine cuz I used to work um at a restaurant and I would like bring out plates. Yeah. Bring out plates here, here, and here, and here. I've had every job under the sun, Rody. >> So, we're going to layer on some jalapenos because >> I'm going to place them really really excitingly. >> You do that. >> Do you know what as well that I really like about jalapenos? It reminds me of nachos. >> Yes. >> I love nachos so much. Do you guys, you know, in American cinemas, do they have nachos? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. But is it like our nachos? >> I think it's an American thing. >> Oh, because you know in American cinemas, they only have butter popcorn. They don't have like our sweet >> in the UK. >> No, in the UK we've got sweet, we got salt, and we've got mixed here. They don't know what sweet is. >> No, >> they just got butter. >> Then we're going to cover this in some cheese. Um, and then I'm coating it with breadcrumbs cuz it has a really nice texture. It can either be breadcrumbs or you can go crazy and do tortilla chips crumpled on the top. It tastes so good. And then it kind of does taste like nachos. >> I love nachos. A little drizzle of what? >> Of chili oil. Okay, perfect. You can pop that in the oven. Man, big Dylan. Great. Ain't got to tell me twice. Chuck it in. >> I won't chuck it in. I'll place it in lovingly. >> Yeah. Cooked down really well. Thank you so much. Right. That's going to get bubbly. >> Do you think we'll set a timer on that? >> No. Well, no. Okay. Should we try this cornbread? Let's do this. Let's take out of here. Nice. So far so good. Let's put this over here. How's that looking? I think it looks good. Oh, is it? >> Yeah. Okay. >> Well, what are you thinking about it? >> No, I think it looks good. It's >> okay. Well, let's cut it. >> Is it normally warm when you have it? >> Yeah. >> Oh, great. >> Thank you, God. >> Thank you, God, for >> this divine food. >> Bless the hands that made it. >> Okay, let's try it, shall we? >> Yes. Smells good. that >> could be could be sweeter. I think this cool down with honey and butter is going to be banging. I'm enjoying it. >> Okay, great. So that cold. >> I think we can refine this. >> Right. How? >> Not now. In life, I will refine it. >> Wow. >> Bubbly. >> Bubbling. Bubbling. It's all done bubbling. That looks really >> I love I love just cheesy and carby things together. My favorite combo. >> This very comforting. >> Oh yeah. >> Look at that then. Look at that. >> Mac and cheese vegan jalapeno. >> Okay, I will tell you that I think I put smoked paprika instead of normal paprika, which means I don't know what that's going to be. >> Smoky mac and cheese. >> I think that's even better. >> Oh yeah, I do like a smokey, too. >> That with the cornbread is going to be banging. >> Okay, moment of truth. Yum. Really good. That's actually really good. I actually think >> is it the paprika that's giving it that little little bit of a kick. >> It kind of does remind me a little bit of the craft mac and cheese but like an elevated version. It feels creamy, cheesy, spicy and it's got a good tang to it because of the jalapenos and the sauce is like a thick enough texture but still not too heavy. And that's what I love about this. It's like you don't have to wait for a day where you want something really. When you think of mac and cheese, you think of a day where you kind of shouldn't eat the rest of the day because it's so heavy. But this mac and cheese is actually light. I usually make it, you know, once once a week or once every two weeks because it's just my comfort food without being too >> and so much protein. >> It's so much protein. Um, well, thanks for being here. Well, I would say thanks for being here, but man's been living here for about a month now. >> Yeah. >> So, thanks for making your way from your bedroom to the kitchen. >> You're welcome. Anytime. >> And A little bit of makeup on just for you. >> Thank you. And for actually participating in the cooking rather than just watching me. >> Thank you. This better than >> the only time I will do it. >> Thank you. Love you. A well, hope you guys enjoy these recipes. I'm going to buy