2.25.2010

Shepard's Pie

This weekend my plan is to make a Shepard's Pie with a twist.  David and I recently entered into a discussion about Shepard's Pies, and how he's never liked them.  He credits camp experience as a reason for his dislike.  I on the other hand love the idea of Shepard's Pie -- such a comforting, cozy, warm food concept for the winter nights -- but because I try to veer away from unnecssary potato consumption, I haven't eaten a Shepard's Pie in a long long while.

So I've had an idea.  I'm going to make a Shepard's Pie with a cauliflower/potato crust.  Pureed cauliflower can taste a whole lot like creamy mashed potato, perhaps more velvety and light.  I thought a mix of cauliflower and potato mash will make the crust lighter.  The meat content will be veal, and I think I'll throw in some leeks and shiitake; use chicken broth instead of beef, and maybe add some hit of cumin.  I found a Michael Chiarello recipe, which will be a good base (but the recipe is for a more traditional beef/lamb Shepard's Pie).  It's an experiment, but I'm looking forward to the attempt especially since it's snowing so much here!

Stay tuned.

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