Shepard's Pie

Okay, so the last three days have been such a drain on my psyche. Between the 14 hours doing yard work, losing all my advertising through Google (and they are not paying me for anything I've made up until now either!), my stubborn two-year old, the economy tanking, our dwindling savings, PMS, and my souffle, it's about time St. Patrick's Day rolled around. There's nothing like a good drinkin'-related holiday to lift one's spirits.

So in honor of good ol' St. Paddy, here is my recipe for Shepard's Pie (adapted from a Kraft Foods recipe.) Okay, I know it's late, so you might have to save this one for next year.

Shepard's Pie

Ingredients:
1lb lean ground beef
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 shallot, minced
1 cup frozen peas, carrots and corn mix, thawed
1 cup beef gravy
1/2 cup ketchup
salt & pepper to taste
2 cups hot mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
4oz cream cheese, cut into pieces

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375. Heat oil in large skillet and brown the ground beef. Add the shallots, thawed veggies, gravy, and ketchup to the skillet and stir until well blended. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour mixture into 9X9 baking dish. In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cream cheese, garlic, and 1/2 cup of the chedder cheese. Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly on top of the beef mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake for 20 minute until heat through.