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What's Cookin': Shepherd's Pie for St. Patrick's Day Happy St. Patrick's Day! What could be more fitting for a Patty's Day celebration that Shepherd's Pie (except maybe green beer)? Once upon a time this was known as "cottage pie" --meaning a dish that people in the poorer homes (or cottages) ate. Potato was an important part of their diet, so the baking dish was often lined with mashed potato, then filled with whatever leftover meat was available and then topped with potato as well. The meat filling was usually beef or mutton. Many years later, some adopted the term `shepherd's pie' to signify that it was 27 Lori Gysel & Gerry Kentner made with lamb or mutton as opposed to `cottage pie' which became the pie with the ground beef. The idea being that shepherd looked after sheep not cattle. It's funny because I grew up eating shepherd's pie made with ground beef. My mom being Scottish, it is very close to mince and totties-- a favourite Scottish dish. When I started cooking and eating with my husband (whose family comes from France) he was shocked that my Shepherd's Pie was NOT made with lamb. So, since then I've actually become quite a lover of lamb, so lamb it is! But really, this dish is excellent made with any ground meat-- even a combination is good. You can also add little chunks of meat if you happen to have a leftover roast beef or lamb lying around in the fridge! Have fun and keep cooking! Email questions and comments to whatscookin@independentfreepress. com Community Calendar Continued from pg. 13 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, March 17, 2011 Sunday, March 20 Limehouse Presbyterian Church welcomes the Kerr Family to share their ministry of music at the 9:30 a.m. worship. All welcome. Evening of meditative prayer and worship time: 7-8 p.m. at Nassagaweya Presbyterian Church, 3097 15 Sideroad. Info: 905-854-1055 or www.nassagaweya.com. Halton Hills Sports Museum and Resource Centre is open on Sundays, 1-5 p.m. (March 6, 20, 27 and April 3, 17 and 24) in the Gordon Alcott Heritage Hall at the Mold-Masters SportsPlex on Guelph St., Georgetown. Monday, March 21 TOPS-Acton: meets Mondays at St. Joseph Church, Church St. E. Weigh-in: 6-7 p.m. Meetings until 8 p.m. Info: Jacquie, 519-853-1019. Halton Hills Toastmasters: meets 7:30-9:30 p.m. at St. Alban's parish hall, 537 Main St., Glen Williams. Develop your communication and leadership skills. Info: Brenda, 519-853-3274, hhtm. membership@gmail.com,www.haltonhillstm.org. Shepherd's Pie Serves 4 Ingredients · 1 lb ground lamb or beef · 2 cooking onions, diced · 1 cup beef broth · salt and pepper to taste · 2 tsp cornstarch · 1/4 cup cold water · 6 potatoes (Yukon gold or russet) · 3 tbsp butter · 1/4 cup warm milk · salt and pepper to taste Method 1. Brown ground meat and on- ions in a large frying pan over medium heat until onions are soft and meat is completely brown and no longer pink. 2. Add beef broth, salt and pepper and simmer for 20 minutes. 3. Mix cornstarch with water and add to the meat mixture. Cook for 2 minutes until meat has thickened slightly. 4. Prepare potatoes by peeling and chopping. Place in a large pot and fill with cold water. Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are soft. Drain potatoes well, then add butter, milk, Tuesday, March 22 TOPS-Georgetown: meets Tuesdays at St. Ansalt and pepper. Mash. drew's United Church, 89 Mountainview Rd. S. 5. Pour meat mixture into a casWeigh-in: 6:30 p.m. Meetings follow at 7:30 p.m. serole dish and top with the mashed Wednesday, March 23 potatoes. 2011 Halton 4-H Kick-Off Night: at Hillcrest 6. Bake for 30 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven, uncovered. United Church, 8958 Trafalgar Rd., Georgetown ­ Cook's Note: Carrots and peas doors open at 6:30 p.m. Open to youth ages 9-21 as could be added to the mixture if you of January 1, 2011. Registration $60. Bring birth certificate. Info: www.halton4-h.com. like. Lori 106 LBS LOST Get in control of your weight with the help of Health Professionals Follow a unique, personalized plan based on your health profile Increase your metabolism, burn body fat and build lean muscle Curb your cravings and achieve hormonal balance Improve your health and help prevent chronic illness and disease CALL OR VISIT US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE HEALTH & WEIGHT ASSESSMENT AND RECEIVE A FREE KICK START KIT *No obligation. First visit only. Must be 18 years of age or older. 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