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thanks, bj

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Rachael Ray


THREE GREAT cooking parties today...

  • Ground Beef and Burgundy Shepherd's Pie

  • 2 to 2 1/2 pounds potatoes or a combination of potatoes, parsnips and celery root for a richer flavor in your mash, peeled and diced
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
  • 2 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 pounds ground sirloin
  • 2 shallots, chopped
  • 1 small carrot, finely chopped
  • 1/2 pound button mushrooms, quartered
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons thyme, chopped
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups red burgundy wine
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1/2-2/3 cups whole milk or half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped
  • 1 rounded tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 egg, beaten



Boil the potatoes with the root vegetables, if using, until tender.
 NOTE: Running short  on time, I subbed instant potatoes.
Boiled potatoes would be best, tho.
While the potatoes cook, heat the EVOO in a Dutch oven or large skillet with high sides over medium-high heat.
Add the bacon and crisp for 2-3 minutes, then add the ground sirloin and brown well. I used cooked sausage instead of bacon as that is what I had on hand.


Add the shallots, carrot, mushrooms, bay leaf and thyme to the pan. Cook the vegetables for 7-8 minutes to soften, then season with salt and pepper. Add the wine to the pan and scrape up the drippings; let reduce for 1-2 minutes, then add in stock and Worcestershire sauce.


In a small pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter and combine with the flour to make a roux. Whisk for 1 minute, then pour the roux into the meat mixture. Stir to combine and thicken.

Pre-heat the broiler with rack in the center of the oven.

Drain the cooked potatoes and/or root vegetables and return them to the hot pot. Mash with the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, milk or half-and-half, herbs, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper. When you have reached your desired consistency, stir in the egg. I used fresh celery, cooked in with the meat mixture.

Scoop the meat into a casserole dish or individual casseroles placed on a baking sheet. Top the meat with the potatoes. Place under the broiler, until brown. I did just what she told me to do EXCEPT I added fresh grated extra sharp cheese to the top of the potatoes...OOO, and I DID add fresh, cooked green beans to the veggie mixture.
 This little inexpensive, plastic grater was given to me several 
years ago by my most loved sister*in*law, MARILEE.
I loved her so much, I still can't talk about her without crying.
She was my HEART SISTER and she passed away several years ago.
I surely would rather have Marilee than this ole grater.
I miss her every single day.
I hope someone loves me enough to miss me that much.
This isn't what I would call 
*a company dish*
but, it's very good for *just us tonight.....
A little dried parsley sprinkled over the top...
if I were making this for guests..
maybe add some green celery leaves...
carrot curls ?
Cooked in individual dishes would be a nice presentation.



This is a pretty good recipe..it IS full
of flavor.


It seemed to need SOMETHING...
something that I never have figured out  just what..




The recipe isn't going on my BEST TOP TEN list
but it was tasty.

We had a crusty bread  with it...

Mr. Sweet liked it more than I did ...but I think
it was all the foods mixed together..
altho I love a lot of casseroles, this one didn't quite make it for me...
YEP...
THIS WAS MY FAVORITE.
XOXO
bj 

25 comments:

Lynn said...

Hey BJ! Looks like a lot of work for "not a favorite", sorry to hear that! It's been ages since I've had one of those PF turn overs-LOVE them! We've had over 14 hours of a steady rain, not crazy hard, just steady... wish I could send you some of that! Thanks for joining in:@)

Linda said...

My daughter LOVES Rachael Ray! You can get a lot of creative ideas from her! Great post....as always!!

Annesphamily said...

Been a while since I came over! I love the new header! Your sweet family! Aw....
The recipe looks yummy and I love turnovers with a little ice cream on the side! Our oldest son turned 26 on the 9th and I am still eating DQ ice cream cake! which I really don't need! LOL!
Love stopping by.
Enjoy the week.
Hugs Anne

Mary said...

I've always loved the "idea" of Shepherd's Pie more than the end result :-) Now PF Turnovers are something I can sink my teeth into!

Rita said...

Thanks so much for this great recipe and so happy to read I am not the only one who sometimes cheats with inst potatoes; who knew? It looks real good.
Rita

Sonny G said...

it sure looks yummy and if I were a guest, I've love to have that..
I am sure your heart sis was right there with you as you grated that cheese.. I often here my grandma's voice when I am in the kitchen, encouraging me to make things I'm not always sure of... Love Lives, Always and comes to visit often..

Sweet Tea said...

I'm not a fan of Rachel Ray recipes, but I like her style, so enjoy watching her...One never needs to worry about the main course when there's a great dessert - You nailed that one!!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

BJ, I love those PF turnovers. My mouth started watering when I saw your pictures. I may havve to pick up some of those this week. The RR recipe sounds good. Your grands and great grand are all beautiful! I'm so sorry about your s-i-l. There are a LOT of someones who will miss you that much. laurie

Anonymous said...

I am so into puff pastry dishes. Easy, delicious, beautiful presentations. Have a great day ~ Alexandra

Korrie@RedHenHome said...

Those Pepperidge Farms turnover (cherry) are one of my guilty pleasures! There's only one store around here who carries them, so I generally buy several and hoard them. I *might* share with my husband, but NEVER my poor children! They're just for mama!

Barbara F. said...

Looks delicious BJ! I love shepherd's pie. xo,

debi said...

bj, I love shepherd's casserole but haven't had it in years. I'm definitely going to give yours a try. It looks yummy!

Thanks for joining the party!
Hugs, Debi

Shug said...

Hi Bj... seems like forever since I've been here. Vacationing was the best though... hey, I am a huge fan of Rachel Ray and semi homemade is my way to go...I would gladly come as a guest to enjoy this delicious recipe with you..hugs sweet lady

Beth said...

Hi BJ, The shepherd's pie sounds and looks good. Thanks for your sweet. comment on my salsa. I really should call it Linda's salsa, for it was discovered by me when Linda brought it to work 6 summers ago! Have a wonderful week, BJ!
Blessings, Beth
ps love the pics of your grands!!!

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Don't think I've ever made Shepherd's Pie before. Sounds good! My dh would probably really like it.

Katherine

Maggie said...

Shepherds pie is a winter favourite of ours, my other half usually makes it, which makes it taste even better!

Kathleen Grace said...

Oh I love shepherds pie, and the weather has cooled down enough to make it possible to actually cook and eat something hot. This may end up on the table this week:>)

Rettabug said...

Hi BJ!

Sorry this recipe was a dud for you. I've only made Shepherds Pie once & like you, it was not a favorite. Oh well....as my DH says about his jokes...
"They can't ALL be showstoppers." LOL

The dessert looks AWESOME, though!
Hugs,
Rett

Anonymous said...

BJ!...I think it turned out purty dawg-gone delish lookn',glad Mr sweets liked it, even if you didn't,our hubby's will sit down and eat just about anything(glad of that),and always say's,"taste good".Ain't we blessed!
OH yeah, dessert looks like it would make up for any disappointment!
LOVE YA SISTA!
~Jo

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

It looks great to me! I have not had shepards pie in years...

Charlene said...

Don't you hate it when you go to all of that trouble for a new recipe and it just turns out so-so? I love sheperd's pie but have never made it. My favorite is from the Black Eyed Pea restaurant, which they don't have anywhere close to me anymore. Maybe I will have to break down and make one. And maybe some of that dessert, too!

Charlene @ A Virtuous Woman

Unknown said...

Sorry this didn't turn out as well as you wanted. I sure LOOKS good! I may have to try it, but experiment with the flavors a little. Thank you for dropping by my blog and commenting. Have a great week! :)

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Sorry that this one wasn't a favorite of yours, but it sure looks good. The turnovers, I'm sure, made up for it!!!!

Miz Helen said...

Hi BJ,
This looks like good soul food to me. It is a great Rachael Ray recipe, good job! Thanks for sharing and have a great week!
Miz Helen

Heather at Farm to Fork said...

Hi BJ,

I think your dish was beautiful. I loved your note about your sister-in-law. I am sure someone will love you that much. :-)