Shephard's Pie with Spinach Salad

Traditional Shephard's Pie was made with mutton or lamb and root vegetables. The change to ground beef has Americanized the recipe. What follows is an enhanced version of the American with the addition of a simple spinach salad.

The novice cook requires confidence boosting recipes. The joy of experimenting with food and flavor have yet to begin. What better than to offer a basic comfort food with changeable enhancements? Understanding a root vegetable is one that is grown beneath the soil's surface will open other options as well: turnips, radishes, rutabagas. Soon after, the cook will look for a wine and accompaniments to compliment their new dish. It is always self-gratifying to know you have created a meal that pleases your guests' palates and lends itself easily to recreation.

Shephard's Pie

• 2 lbs. ground beef
• 2 teaspoons roasted garlic
• 1 parsnip, diced
• 1/2 cup carrots, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 Tablespoons dry Sherry
• 2 Tablespoons A1 sauce
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cans creamed corn
• 5 lbs. potatoes, peeled, diced and boiled
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup light cream
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Brown ground beef in skillet and preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Drain and set meat aside.
3. Add onion to hot skillet and cook until transparent.
4. Add roasted garlic, celery , parsnip, and carrots.
5. Add meat, sherry, A1, Worcestershire, and creamed corn.
6. Whip potatoes, slowly adding milk and cream. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Pour mixture into greased baking pan or casserole. Top with mashed potatoes and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Serving options: bread and butter, soup, or melon pieces.

Spinach Salad

• 1 bag of baby spinach leaves
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 lb provolone cheese, julienned
• 1/4 lb ham, julienned

1. Toss all ingredients in a large salad bowl. Serve with your favorite dressing.

Though referred to as Cottage Pie in England and Australia, this dish has taken many turns as in ingredients and flavors. From basic root vegetables to the inclusion of green peppers, this dish has many faces. It is undoubtedly one of the most versatile casseroles known internationally.

Along with the ingredients, accompaniments are also taylored to the region or household. From croissants to crusty french bread, Shephard's Pie has many options.

Some variations may include left over beef stew, ground turkey replacing the beef, or leaving out the A1 to add BBQ sauce. The flavors abound and the novice cook can take heart, knowing the fruit of their labor will show. Appreciation for comfort food goes along way, and gives the confidence boost needed to enjoy food experimentation.

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