IRISH Cottage Pie and Blessings!

Here’s a great meal idea for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration: ground beef and vegetable casserole pie topped with creamy and cheesy mashed potatoes. I decided this year, after spending lots of time in my very own “cottage,” to serve this classic Irish pie for my St. Pat’s dinner—a lucky dish indeed! Cottage Pie is also known as Shepherd’s Pie; the only difference is that Cottage Pie is made with ground beef, unlike the traditional Shepherd’s Pie made with ground lamb. This delicious and savory comfort food, (of English origin), is sure to make your family and friends feel lucky and blessed! It’s easy to make ahead of time and just needs to be refrigerated until ready to bake. Have some cold Guinness beer on hand and serve with a sweet Irish soda bread, then you’ll be all set to share the love and luck of the Irish! “May your troubles be less and your blessings be more and nothing but happiness come through your Cottage Door.” Happy St. Patrick’s Day from my cottage to yours! Xoxo Denise

1 large Vidalia onion diced
¼ cup olive oil
1 lb. lean ground beef
2 carrots peeled and diced
2 celery stalks diced ½ cup petite frozen peas
½ cup frozen corn
1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
1 T fresh chopped thyme
1 T fresh chopped rosemary
Fresh ground black pepper and salt to taste
½ cup red wine
2 T of tomato paste ½ cup beef broth
1 T Worcestershire sauce
2-3 large Yukon gold potatoes, peeled cut into chunks and boiled until soft
3 T of butter ½ cup grated cheese (parmesan or white cheddar)
¾ cup half and half

In a large skillet add onion, carrots, celery and olive oil over medium heat until vegetables become soft. Add ground beef and break up while browning. Blend in tomato paste, red wine, beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Cook on low heat for about 15 minutes. Next, add parsley, rosemary, thyme, frozen corn (optional) and salt and pepper to taste. Boil your potatoes, then drain and whip with an electric beater – the potatoes, butter, cheese and half and half. Season with salt and pepper. Spread the meat mixture evenly at the bottom of your deep dish pie plate, then carefully spread mashed potatoes evenly on top. Bake uncovered in 400 degree oven for 25-30 minutes. Let sit for 10 minutes and serve.