Cooking

I have a friend who is challenged in the kitchen. Scratch that. I have a friend who THINKS she is challenged in the kitchen. 

I won't mention names here but here is what I think, I think you are just scared... skee- eerred.  

You hear something like "shepherds pie" and you automatically think no way dude. When in reality... it is so easy.

Let me let you in on a secret, everything I make is easy. 

Well, except for the time when Jim asked me to make Beef Wellington, THAT was hard. 

But, for the everyday....momma gots a job and still has to make dinner... Easy is the word. 

30 minutes tops. PERIOD

So for my multi-talented, oh-so-special and most awesome friend. 

Here is my recipe for shepherds pie.. 

You just need a few things:

FIrst, make sure you have a potato peeler.

Here is mine.. she is so cute.

Second, open a bottle of wine, you are going to need it.

No really....you will need a cup for the recipe.

But you might as well pour a glass for yourself ...and not in a plastic cup....use a wine glass. :D

You need a large quantity of  mashed potatoes, enough to cover your corning-ware dish an inch or 2 thick

Have your potato peeler working while you prep, that way the potatoes will be boiling the same time you are throwing this together

To a skillet add:

1 tablespoon butter

1 large onion, finely diced1 lb ground beef or 1 lb lamb OR 1/2 and 1/2 

Lamb is expensive, but it really gives this a great flavor. Whole Foods on 91st has local lamb...(sometimes you have to ask them to grind it, but if they have it, they will)

Brown and drain

lamb is very fatty

When that is brown, sprinkle with starch, or flour

Add:

1 glass red wine (see?)
2 tablespoons ketchup (or tomato paste)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1/2 bag mixed vegetables (or dice up your own and add them with the onions..)

.Let that cook down for about 5 minutes and then add 

1 - 2 cups  Chicken stock should be a thick gravy

Cook till warm

Transfer to corning-ware dish or two, leave room at the top for potatoes

1 egg, beaten

(make the potatoes like you want to eat them, butter, salt etc)
Manchego Cheese or you can use grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Spoon mashed potatoes over top. 

Brush with egg and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using.

Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes or until the potato is nice and browned on top. 

YUM!