Sunday, December 30, 2012

Cooking Sundays: Cooking to Knit/ Veg Out by the Fire in Snowy Weather

Woo Hoo!
First snowfall's here, and I am ready to cook up a storm!
What's on the stove?
Let's use some of those leftovers from the holiday dinner, and make a new twist on an old New England favorite - Turkey Shepherd's Pie.

Deceivingly simple, quick and long on the yum factor!
Hey! I saw that look of doubt in your eye.
Just TRY it, really!


After the Holidays Turkey Shepherd's Pie

Here's what you will need:
Ingredients
2 c turkey, cubed, leftover from holiday dinner
1 c baby carrots, coarse chopped or leave 'em alone
1 md onion, diced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
1 c celery, diced
2 Tbsp butter, unsalted
1 Tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
1 tsp thyme, dried
leftover mashed potatoes from holiday dinner
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
3 Tbsp butter, unsalted for dotting top
paprika, sweet mild, to taste
hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste

Here's What You'll Do:
Directions
1. Saute vegetables in butter and olive oil until tender but not brown. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and thyme. Stir in cooked, cubed turkey. I usually add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne to taste right here. You choose - plainer or hot-cha-cha.
2. Place in a casserole dish and top with mashed potatoes. Dot with butter and sprinkle with paprika.
3. Bake, uncovered, 350° for 20-30 minutes until the potatoes are browned and casserole is heated through.
4. If you have leftover sweet potatoes they are great mixed with the mashed potatoes and spread over the top also.
Bundle up, stay warm and knit up a storm or even better... get a family game out and have some good old-fashioned fun!


Have A Warm One. :)