Last nights shephards pie

         This recipe I doubled last night due to us having company. Remember that meatloaf that I made earlier this week???Well, I used that meat. It was a mix of 97% lean beef, ground pork and ground chicken. A great way to show how to use multiple ingredients throughout the week and save some money! On to the recipe...

2 russet potatoes

1/3 cup of milk (this is to make the mashed potatoes creamy.. I like buttermilk)

1-2 lbs. of meat(as you see I used a mixture last night but you can use just ground beef)

1 cup of beef broth

2 teaspoons Worcestershire

2 tablespoons of butter or margarine

1/2 bag of Frozen peas/corn mixture

2 tablespoons of flour (I like whole wheat flour but all-purpose is just fine. I try to go the healthiest way possible he he)

Parmesan cheese for topping

about a palm full of chopped chives for topping (I also sprinkle paprika for color)

First off, peel your potatoes and cut into about 1-2" pieces. Place in boiling, salted water until tender (about 10-12 min.). Combine your milk (I add minced garlic as well but I did not put in the recipe cuz well.. not everyone likes garlic... a sin, I know!!!!), and mash until smooth. I use a kitchen aid mixer but if you do not have one of those you can use a food processor (just be careful not to over flow, you may need to do it in batches) or a blender (yes, I said a blender). I like my potatoes on a shepherds pie very creamy and smooth.

I usually put the meat in a skillet while the potatoes are boiling. I season the meat with my fav. seasonings (I don't really like to give out seasonings b.c every one has their own favorites. Unless of course it is really needed for the recipe).  while the meat is browning, take a small sauce pan and heat the butter until melted. Then add the flour and beef broth and whisk together. Waalllaaa, there is your gravy. Add the gravy and the frozen veggies to the meat and cook for another 5 min. or until the veggies are cooked through.

Take a dish that can be placed into the oven ( I prefer a glass dish like Pyrex. It seems to cook dishes better and when you have a layered dish it looks better on the table).. Place the meat mixture on the bottom of the dish and then put the potatoes on the top. Place the oven on broil/high. Sprinkle the top of the potatoes with parmesan cheese(this will give the top of the potatoes that brown crisp) Chop of a handful of chives and sprinkle on the top as well. Place in the oven until you get that golden brown. About 5 min. And..... Enjoy!!! Talk about a one pot wonder.. you don't even need any sides!