Shepherds Pie

2 lb peeled potatoes, quartered
6 tbsp milk
6 tbsp butter or margarine plus 1 tbsp for sauce
Salt and pepper
1 tbsp olive or vegetable oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup finely diced carrot
1 clove garlic, minced
2 lb ground/minced lamb or beef
1 pint beef stock
1 cup chopped white mushrooms
2 tbsp finely chopped parsley
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup grated Cheddar Cheese

Heat the oven to 375 F

Boil the potatoes until soft, drain. Place the milk and butter in the pan used to boil the potatoes, return to the heat and warm gently until the butter has melted. Add the potatoes and mash. Season to taste and set aside.

In a large deep skillet, over medium high heat, saute the onions and carrots in the oil for about 5 minutes or until tender. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Add the ground meat and one-third of the beef stock and cook, stirring constantly until all the meat is browned. Add the remaining stock, parsley and mushrooms, season with salt and pepper. Cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes.

Mash the flour into the remaining 1 tbsp butter then add in small pieces to the ground meat sauce, stirring until all the flour has dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly, approx 5 mins.

Place the meat sauce into a casserole dish and *spread* the mashed potatoes evenly over it. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top and bake for 30-35 mins until the surface is crisp and browned. Serve immediately.

*For a little nicer presentation, pipe the potatoes onto the meat mixture with a pastry bag.

Ateco Pastry Bag, Canvas, 18", Each, Off White

Pastry Bag, Canvas, 18", Each

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Chantal 1.75-qt. Rectangular Baking Dish, Glossy Cobalt Blue

Chantal Ceramic Bakeware is beautiful with a high gloss glaze and rich vibrant colors and functional with thick walls and bottom for superior heat retention and uniform baking. This high quality bakeware can withstand high oven temperatures and the durable glaze is safe for cutting and serving with metal utensils. Table ready. Can be put in the dishwasher, oven, microwave and freezer. For occasional dried-on food, sprinkle with a teaspoon of baking soda and water and scrub with a nylon or plastic scrubber. Do not use steel wool, scouring pads, oven cleaners, bleach and other strong cleaners. Do not use on gas or electric stovetop. Not recommended for broiler use. To prevent chipping or breakage, do not drop, over-stack or knock against sides of sink. Before microwaving frozen meals, thaw in refrigerator for the best results. Do not run cold water into a hot dish, cracking could occur from sudden temperature change.

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