Looking for ideas for Shepherds Pie. I'm making it tomorrow for lunch

[Arkansas Granny]

at work and I'd really like to make it stand out. I'm using venison for the meat and I'm making roasted garlic mashed potatoes for the topping. Does anyone have any other ideas to make it really special?

[grasswire]

1. be sure to put some diced celery in your filling

I think it really adds to the flavor. Celery and onion.

[Arkansas Granny]

3. I was planning on onion, but I didn't think about celery. I'll get some.

Thanks!

[MagickMuffin]

2. Here's how I do mine

Pre-bake crust for 5 to 7 minutes

Saute chopped Onions, garlic, bell peppers in butter. Add meat then flour. Add milk to make a thick meat sauce. Cinnamon, black pepper, garlic powder.

Add this to your crust and top with mashed potatoes. Bake another 10 to 15 minutes.

I think the Cinnamon really adds a different dimension to the overall flavor.

I don't eat meat but use Morning Star Crumbles.


Good Luck:hi:

[Arkansas Granny]

4. I'll try the cinnamon. I seasoned some steaks with cinnamon one time

by mistake and I got some really good compliments on them. No one could quite figure out the flavor.

[MagickMuffin]

5. Be sure to tell us how it turned out and what your coworkers thought about it

I add cinnamon to a lot of savory dinners. It really enhances the meals.

[Arkansas Granny]

6. It turned out great. I took your suggestions and added a few of my own.

As I mentioned, I used venison for the meat. I used roasted garlic, cheddar cheese, fried onion and eggs in my mashed potato topping which added a lot of flavor. I made two pans, 9X13X3 foil trays, and sent the leftovers home with one of the older guys whose wife has been in and out of the hospital lately so they don't have to cook tonight.

Several members of our crew (including the boss) are out in the woods this week at deer camp and I planned this lunch for those of us who didn't go. We have a full kitchen at our office so I was able to serve it fresh from the oven instead of made ahead and warmed up. I love to cook, but I live alone and that takes a lot of the fun out of it. The guys I work with love to eat and you would think that none of them ever gets a home cooked meal so it works out rather well when we have one of our company lunches.

[Gonzo Gardener]

7. Saute finely chopped onion, carrots, and fresh thyme leaves

until limp. Add your meat and brown. Sprinkle with a couple tablespoons of flour, a hearty pinch of salt and some freshly ground pepper. I use white wine or chicken broth to make a wonderfully flavored gravy.

I usually top with shredded cheese a few minutes before removing the pie from the oven for cheesy potatoes, but roasted garlic added to the mashed potatoes sounds delicious!

I think I know what's for sup tomorrow, lol. Thanks! :hi:

[comrade snarky]

8. White Sweet Potatoes

Instead of regular potatoes.
I baked em then mashed em and spread the goo over a base of ground beef, buffalo, veggies and spices. Came out great!

I got creative another time and used Moroccan spices. A touch of cinnamon and turmeric gave it a really nice flavor. I totally agree with Magick's post above about savory dishes with cinnamon. It's a wonderful spice most Americans don't use with meat.

If you haven't done it, try it! You will love the results.