shepherd's pie
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Shepherds Pie or as some know it as “Cottage Pie”, it just depends on where your from and the tradition that you grew up with.

Shepherds pie is traditionally made with minced lamb, from the shepherds flock and cottage pie was made from minced beef. The dish was lined with mashed potatoes, as well as mashed potatoes on top for a crust.

The following recipe for American Shepherds Pie was my version that I used when my children were growing up and money was tight.

You will need:

1 lb. ground beef

1 small – medium yellow onion (chopped)

salt and pepper to taste

1 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (small can mushrooms may be substituted)

1 clove of garlic (finely minced)

1 TB. of Worcestershire sauce

1 small can of beef gravy

1 16 oz can green beans

4-5 large potatoes

1 tsp. Kosher salt

1 egg yolk

3 Tb. butter

cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

To Make:

1. peel and cut potatoes into quarters and cover with water. Put on to boil. Add salt & turn down to simmer while you are preparing the rest of the pie.

2. In a oven proof skillet (I like to use a cast iron skillet for this dish), cook the hamburg, onion and garlic till the hamburg is no longer pink and the onions are transparent. Add the mushrooms and cook for 5 min. more.

3. Add Worcestershire sauce and gravy, mix well.

4. Drain the green beans and more over the meat mixture, spreading out evenly. Set aside

5. Drain the potatoes well. Mash the potatoes with the butter, add egg yolk and just enough cream to make them fluffy, but not mushy, (the egg yolk helps the potatoes to brown a nice golden color, the potato mixture should be stiff

6. Spread the mashed potatoes on top of the meat mixture. Take the back of your spoon and make peaks all around for a pretty presentation. Sprinkle with cheese and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are golden brown. enjoy!

Variation: Try this with your favorite vegetables, spinach, carrots, corn, peas. Use a combination of vegetables. This is one dish that you can make your own. Be creative and

always have fun with your cooking.

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