Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd’s Pie

Caught in the throes of winter, here’s a Crock-Pot Gluten-Free recipe to warm your day.

Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground lamb
1 package (12 ounces) frozen chopped onions, thawed
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 package (16 ounces) frozen peas and carrots
1 can (about 14 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
1 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups hot cooked mashed potatoes

Directions:

1. Brown beef and lamb 6 to 8 minutes in large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring to break up meat. Drain fat. Remove to Crock-Pot slow cooker. return skillet to heat. Add onions and garlic; cook until onions are tender. Transfer to Crock-Pot slow cooker.
2. Stir peas and carrots, tomatoes, oregano, salt and pepper in Crock-Pot slow cooker. Cover; cook on LOW 7 to 8 hours. Top with mashed potatoes. Cover; cook on LOW 30 minutes or until potatoes are heated through.

Makes 6 servings.

Chicken Lasagna Casserole

A simple chicken casserole that has the rich, satisfying flavor of a lasagna.

 
With the temperature heading towards single digits, we decided to forego Doug's and eat at home. Joan prepared this chicken dish, using chicken thighs purchased at Costco. She served it over rice with steamed broccoli and Roma tomatoes and cucumbers covered in a dill sauce.

Ingredients:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella
16-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained, patted dry and diced (about 2 cups)
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Coat an 8-by-11 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, mozzarella, red peppers, egg, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Set aside
3. In a large skillet over medium-high, heat the oil. Add the chicken, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking pan. Pour the cheese mixture over the chicken; stir to combine.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the panko and butter. Sprinkle the panko over the chicken, then bake for 20 to 25 minutes, our until the breadcrumbs are browned and the chicken is cooked through.

Makes 8 servings.

Colorful Brunch Frittata

After attending the New Year’s Eve festivities at A.T. Walley’s, Emily and Michael slept in the guest room. New Year’s Day they joined Joan and I at breakfast. Joan made this frittata. She served it with a fresh fruit salad and pumpkin spiced muffins.

Prep: 15 min.    Bake: 55 min. + standing    Makes: 12-15 servings   

Ingredients:

1    pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2    pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1    medium sweet red pepper, diced
1    medium sweet yellow pepper, diced
1    small onion, chopped
3    green onions, chopped
3    tablespoons olive oil
2    garlic cloves, minced
3    plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
14    eggs, lightly beaten
2    cups of half-and-half cream
2    cups (8-ounces) shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
3    tablespoons minced fresh parsley
3    tablespoons minced fresh basil
1/2     teaspoon salt
1/4    teaspoon pepper
1/2    cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, sauté the asparagus, mushrooms, peppers, and onions in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add tomatoes; set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, cream, Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, parsley, basil, salt and pepper; stir in vegetable mixture.
Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered at 350˚ for 45 minutes.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake 10-15 minutes longer or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.