Shepherds Pie

So Nichole used to make this for me and I loved it.  Now I make my own version for my boyfriend.  It's fairly easy to make and adjustable to suit what you like.  The way I make it is as follow, Nichole feel free to add anything I missed.  Brown some ground beef with some seasoning.  I use garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cumin.  While that is cooking make some mashed potatoes (if you cheat like me and use instant, if you are talented you can make real mashed potatoes ahead of time).  In a bowl mix the mashed potatoes with some kind of veggie.  I usually use spinach though sometimes if I forget to thaw it I use green beans also.  You can add pretty much whatever you like.  In a square baking pan put the meat on the bottom, then put the potato mixture on top of that.  Add cheese to the top and bake in a 350 oven until cheese is melted.  Serve and enjoy.  Now that's the easy, fast, I just got home from work version.  Enjoy!

Potato Soup

I'm particularly proud of this recipe, since I made it up on my own.  One day when we were in China, I just randomly decided I wanted potato soup and threw stuff together.  This recipe is the result, and it's one of Sam's favorites.

6-8 medium/large potatoes
1 yellow/white onion, chopped
1 Bell pepper (any color, I usually use green), chopped
Half pound of ham, chopped
1 clove garlic (optional)
Half tablespoon Italian seasoning
Teaspoon paprika

Half cup milk

1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese
Salt & pepper to taste

Clean potatoes (peel if desired)  and chop  into 1-2 inch chunks.  Place in large pot and just cover with water.  Boil until potatoes are tender, but not disintegrating.  Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, and spices; reduce heat to medium/low and simmer 10-15 minutes.  Add ham, simmer 5-10 minutes.  Reduce heat to low, add milk and cheese, stir until cheese has melted.  Add salt/pepper to taste.  Serves 6-8.

Spinach Mushroom No Pan Pie

So tonight for dinner I made something new (be amazed!)  It wasn't for me, but for my boyfriend, as I don't like mushrooms at all!  But if you do, here is how to make it and how it went for me.

You start by preheating the oven to 450 degrees.  You will need a Pillsbury pie crust, fresh spinach, and sliced mushrooms.  Also 1 tablespoon of oil.  Cut up the mushrooms (unless you were smart, unlike me, and bought the pre-sliced ones.)  My fresh spinach had stems so I cut those off.  It calls for 2 cups of sliced mushrooms and 6 ounces of spinach.  Heat the oil in a pan over medium to high heat.  Cook the mushrooms and spinach for about 5-7 minutes until done.  Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray, I'd recommend just a big enough space to put the pie crust.  Have the pie crust thawed (it recommends 15 minutes at room temp so I took it out before I started cutting and cooking.  It was good when I was ready.)  I sprayed the whole cookie sheet, which then started to burn off in the oven.  As the mushrooms and spinach are cooking, roll the pie crust out on the cookie sheet.  When the mushrooms and spinach are done, pour them onto the pie crust, leaving a little bit around the sides empty.  Then fold the pie crust edges up over the mixture, about 2 inches at a time.  After that put it in the oven for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.  After that enjoy!  The boyfriend said it was really good, I just didn't use enough spinach and he also said it needed some kind of dipping sauce.  Though we aren't really sure what we should use.  I've included pictures below of my process.  Also will include a link to the original recipe I got from Pillsbury's web page.

Enjoy!

Pillsbury Spinach Mushroom No Pan Pie Recipe

Updated, I made it again, this time throwing on some sliced black olives right before baking.  In addition to using much more spinach.  Also served it with an alfredo sauce.  Boyfriend said it was much better this time around.

Most recent attempt.  Much better than original attempt!

Stew Tip

Ever make a soup or stew that wasn't quite as thick as you wanted it to be?  If you try to add flour or corn starch you run the risk of getting lumps.  My favorite trick is to add mashed potato flakes.  They make the stew nice and thick, and don't tend to form lumps.  You may need to add extra salt or other seasonings since the potatoes will absorb a lot.