Shephards Pie

My favorite recipe for Shepards Pie.

You will need the following ingredients when making Shepherd's Pie.  Sometimes I will use frozen peas instead of green beans.  Do NOT use canned peas for this recipe.

* any type of ground meat (beef, pork, lamb, etc).
* one medium size onion
* one can cream of mushroom soup
* one can grean beans or frozen peas (drain the green beans)
* potatoes (to be used for mashed potatoes)
* 3 cloves garlic (to be used together with mashed potatoes)
* butter and milk (to be used for mashed potatoes).
* grated cheese (cheddar it typically used, but other cheese varities may be used).
* I also add in a can of corn, drained

Peel potatoes and cut into cubes and place in large pot.  Peel garlic and place in pot with potatoes.  Fill with water and bring to a boil  While the potatoes are cooking, dice onion and saute in sauce pan with extra virgin olive oil.  Add the ground meat and brown.  Add the can of cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas or canned green beans, and turn heat to low and simmer while finishing the mashed potatoes.

Place meat mixture first in a casserole dish, cover with the mashed potatoes and top with the grated cheddar cheese.  Place in oven heated to 350F and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese has melted and is slightly bubbled.  Serve warm with freshly ground black pepper.

Peach Summer Salad

Last week I visited the local farmers market and as usual, purchased way too much fresh yummy food for one person. So what did I do? Made a new favorite summer salad, took it to a party and it was a huge hit. I hope you enjoy it too.

Ingredients
Baby Arugula
Fresh peaches
2 Garlic Cloves
Sea Salt
Olive Oil
Mixture of shaved Parmesan, Asiago and Pecorino cheeses
Fresh lemon juice

1. Peel and slice the peaches, sprinkle with lemon juice (this will keep them from turning brown. 
2. Place baby Arugula in a bowl and toss with just enough olive oil to coat lightly.
3. Peel and press the garlic cloves, add to the Arugula and toss to coat.
4. Add fresh ground sea salt to the salad mixture and toss. This is to taste.
5. Add the peaches with lemon juice.
6. Add the shaved cheeses and toss.

Serve with your favorite protein and enjoy!