Menus of Days Past

Below are 2 photos of the meals my girls would eat as they grew up. Once or twice a month, I would make my grocery list according to what they chose on this list. I found this tucked away in my desk. I haven't needed it since 2006! B & I still eat some of the meal choices. I added a few more near the end before posting the pics. The unnumbered suggestions became favorites after T left home.

Quick & Easy Shepherds Pie

C has requested another one of my recipes! Another comfort food dish for the upcoming cold days of winter. So many varieties of this dish, but my kids liked the recipe below.

Shepherds Pie (serves 4-6)

What you need: (for the filling)

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1 diced onion
• 1-2 carrots, diced small
• 1 cup frozen peas (or corn or a mixture of both)

What you do:

• Saute the beef, onions & carrots until the meat is browned & veggies are tender
• Drain well
• stir in the peas/corn

What you need: (for the gravy)

• 1 lg can of brown gravy

OR...

• 2T butter
• 2T flour
• 1 can (about 14 oz) beef stock
• 2 tsp Worcestershire

What you do: (for the gravy)

• In a saucepan, melt the butter
• add in the flour
• cook for about 1 minute, stirring all the time
• slowly add in the stock & Worcestershire w wire whisk
• bring to a boil
• reduce heat & simmer, while stirring, until thickened
• Once you've made your gravy, add in the meat/veggies & pour into a 2 qt casserole dish

What you need: (for the potato topper) ps, I've used store made potatoes w good results

• 2 lbs peeled, cubed & boiled until soft, russet potatoes
• 2T sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 lg egg yolk
• S&P to taste
• paprika, for color

What you do:

• After the potatoes are soft, drain well
• add in creams, yolk, S&P
• mash well
• spread on top of the mixture in casserole dish
• sprinkle w paprika
• Place under broiler for about 5 min. to "crisp" the potatoes or in a 350 oven for about 30 min.