Shepards Pie

Well there is a first for everything.  Some people have never baked a cake from scratch.  Others have never made pie crust.  And some have never cooked a roast.

I have NEVER made Shepard's Pie.  Ever.  Not once.

I don't really like it.  And since I don't like it, I don't cook it.  And since I'm the one who does the cooking around here that means no Shepard's Pie.

But I have come under pressure as of late.  Shepard Pie pressure.  I know that seems weird.  But its true.  Recently Ive been told I must try to make it because people just think it will taste good.  And that I will make a kick ass pie.  So I stepped up to the challenge.

I did not follow a recipe.  I think most people have a clue already about what goes into a Shepard's Pie and don't need one.  So I did my best and did maybe cut a corner or two.  You be the judge.  Here is the recipe to the best of recollection.  I made 2.  So if you are following this recipe maybe half the ingredients.  The other I sent over to the neighbours who are battling the flu but still have kids to feed.

1lb lean ground beef
1lb ground pork
3/4 cup minced onion
2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 cup diced carrots, cooked and drained
1/2 cup frozen peas, cooked and drained
I have no clue how many potatoes I used because I used whatever was left in my bag I bought at the farmers market in October and they were all different sizes. 
2tbsp parsley flakes
1tsp rosemary and 1 tsp thyme leaves ground in my mortar with fresh ground pepper, 1/2 tsp oregano and 1/2 tsp savory.
1 packet or roast beef gravy mix.
1tsp Kitchen Bouquet browning liquid.
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese blend of the "Double Cheddar" variety.
4tbsp butter
3/4 cup of heavy cream.

Brown the meat with the onions and then add the garlic.  Add the seasonings (but hold back one tbsp parsley)and peas and carrots.  Add the sauce mix and 1 cup of water as well as the browning liquid.
Mash your potatoes with the butter and cream.  Add the parsley as well as salt and pepper to taste.  Mash some more till its all incorporated.
Put the meat mixture on the bottom of a casserole and top with the potatoes spreading them to the edges.  Bake at 350F for 20 minutes take the pie out of the oven and spread the cheese on top, bake 5 minutes more or until cheese is melty.  Then turn to broil for 2 more minutes to give the cheese some colour.  Remove from oven and let sit 5 minutes.  Enjoy!

For a fresh side dish I made my easy cucumber tomato marinade that I make at least once a week when I don't have a fresh side.  Slice tomatoes and cucumbers.  Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar.  I like cider vinegar but will use balsamic sometimes.  Season with salt and pepper and a bit of oregano and basil to taste.  Let stand 30 minutes while you are making supper so the flavours can marry.  I sometimes add a bit of thinly sliced red or white onion and garlic.  Or green onion.  Or Feta cheese.

Had to have a nice slice of Winnipeg Rye Bread with supper.
I guess it was good cause this is all that was left.

I actually got a hug for this supper and the exclamation of "11 years!  I finally get this for supper after 11 years!"

What do you not like but everyone else in the house wants you to make it?

Ground beef from Natures Green Acres.  http://www.naturesgreenacres.com/www.naturesgreenacres.com/home.html
Ground pork from Irvings Farm Fresh.  http://www.irvingsfarmfresh.com/
Carrots from Green Eggs and Ham.  http://www.greenseggsandham.ca/index.php?w=1366
Potatos from Erdmanns Gardens.  http://www.erdmannsgardens.com/