St. Patrick's Day Recipe

St. Patrick's Day is just a few days away, which means it is the perfect time to get out your favorite green outfit. It is also the best time to look for a delicious recipe that the whole family can enjoy. If you are looking for something other than the traditional corned beef and cabbage, try this delicious cheddar topped shepherd's pie recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds peeled and thinly sliced baking potatoes
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 6 medium carrots, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
• 6 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 1 chopped large onion
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 2 pounds ground beef chuck
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp white cheddar

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Put the potatoes in a large saucepan, and cover with 1 inch of salted water. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are easily pierced with a pairing knife, or about 15 or 20 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a 5 quart Dutch oven, or a heavy pot over medium heat. Add celery, carrots, onion, and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, for 8 to 10 minutes. Add the beef, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink, for about 6 to 8 minutes. Add 1 cup of water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 1 minute.
3. Drain the potatoes, and return to the pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the liquid has evaporated and a thin film covers the bottom of the pan, or about 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat, add milk and 1 cup of cheese. Mash until smooth, and season the mixture with salt and pepper.
4. Pour the beef filing into a baking dish. Drop dollops of the topping over the filling, and spread with the edges of a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top. Bake until the topping is browned and the filling is bubbling rapidly, or about 20 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes, and enjoy!

All of us at Jack Stone Insurance Agency, Inc. in Antioch, California would like to wish you a Happy St. Patrick's Day!