Round 2 Recipe Shepherds Pie

Steps:

• Coat a wide pan with olive oil and bring to a medium-high heat. Sprinkle the lamb with salt and toss with the flour.
• Add the lamb to the pan and brown well on all sides. Remove the lamb from the pan and reserve. Ditch the oil in the pan and add a splash new olive oil. Add the carrots, celery and leeks to the same pan. Season the mixture with salt and cook, stirring frequently until the vegetables are soft and very aromatic, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 2 to 3 minutes more. Add the tomato paste and cook until the tomato paste starts to brown, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add the beer and cook until it reduces by half. Return the lamb to the pan. Add enough stock to just cover the surface of the lamb. Taste and season with salt if needed. Toss in the bay leaves and thyme bundle. Bring the stock to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Partially cover and simmer until the lamb is tender, about 1 hour. When the stock level reduces, replace with more to keep the meat submerged.
• Place the potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover by 1 inch with tap water. Season the water with salt and bring the water to a boil. Boil the potatoes until they are fork tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the water from the potatoes and pass them while they are still hot through a food mill. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the cream to a boil. Beat the cold butter and hot cream into the pureed potatoes. Taste and season with salt if needed. The potatoes should be creamy and very flavorful.
• Remove the lid from the lamb and add the peas. Simmer for 15 minutes more to allow the stock level to reduce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. When done, the lamb mixture should be thick and stew-like. Remove the bay leaves and thyme bundle and discard.
• Preheat the broiler.
• Transfer the lamb to a wide, flat flameproof baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the lamb mixture in an even layer. Place the baking dish under the preheated broiler. Broil until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium heat. Add the potatoes, reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are cooked through and tender. Drain, return to pot and mash with a potato masher.
• In a small pot over low heat, add the butter and milk and heat until hot. Mix the butter and milk mixture to the mashed potatoes and season with salt and pepper, to taste. (For very creamy potatoes use a hand mixer to incorporate the milk and butter mixture. Only mix for about 45 seconds to prevent potatoes from getting gummy.) Set aside.
• Evenly divide the beef stew into 4 (11-ounce) ramekins. Top with the mashed potatoes and bake until the stew is bubbling and potatoes are slightly browned on top, about 30 minutes.
• In a 6-quart slow cooker combine the celery, carrots, potatoes, onions, thyme and beef. In a large bowl, stir together all the remaining ingredients and pour over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 5 hours. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve with Beer Biscuits.
• Beer Biscuits:
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• In a large mixing bowl, mix all ingredients with a whisk until just combined. Using 2 spoons divide dough into 4 even mounds and put on a baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown.
• All-Purpose Baking Mix:
• In a large bowl combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in the shortening with a pastry knife or fork until the mixture is well blended. Use in recipes that call for Bisquick or all-purpose mix.

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash. Mix in butter, finely chopped onion and 1/4 cup shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste; set aside.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add carrots and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, mash and set aside. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C.)
• Heat oil in a large frying pan. Add onion and cook until clear. Add ground beef and cook until well browned. Pour off excess fat, then stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Add ketchup and beef broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Spread the ground beef in an even layer on the bottom of a 2 quart casserole dish. Next, spread a layer of mashed carrots. Top with the mashed potato mixture and sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degree F (175 degree C). Coat a 2 quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onion in oil for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the ground beef and basil, and cook and stir for 5 more minutes. Mix in the garlic, green beans, and tomatoes, and simmer for 5 minutes. Transfer beef mixture to prepared dish.
• In a mixing bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, egg, and water. Spread evenly over meat mixture.
• Bake in a preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until potatoes start to brown on top. Sprinkle with cheese, and continue cooking for 5 minutes.