Deconstructed Shepherd's Pie

I went in the freezer this morning and found some diced lamb so decided to make shepherd's pie.  I must have subconsciously thought it was minced lamb when I got it out but not to worry - I just chopped it up very small.  I made the base with the lamb, chopped carrots, celery and onions, added some stock and a bay leaf, and put it in the oven for a couple of hours in a casserole dish.

I had originally planned to pipe the potato on top but, from previous experience, this works a whole lot better when the base is cold and I didn't have time to cool it down first unfortunately, hence the 'deconstructed' idea was born :)  Basically it was casserole with mashed potato, and some savoy cabbage and leeks fried in butter.  Tasted pretty good!

Need to get out of the parsley habit, Mr W is right when he says it's so very 1980's but can't help myself sometimes :)


Will be going to the gym tomorrow and then it's back to work on Thursday just for a day then bring on the shopping and preparing for the New Year's Eve feast!  I don't think we will go out this year so I am planning on cooking a Thai banquet for the two of us, watch this space....

Enjoy the rest of the holidays, ciao for now x