Shepard's Pie

It's that time of year folks. Cold, dreary, dark. I don't know about you, but all I want to do is make a cup of tea and wrap up in a blanket so I can dream about warmer, sunnier places. Oh, and eat comfort food.

That is what inspired the latest creation to come out of my kitchen: shepard's pie. But with a twist. What appears to be fluffy, rich mashed potatoes covered in cheese is, in fact, cauliflower covered in cheese. Who knew cauliflower could be so versatile!? I'm just thrilled and to think I used pass over this vegetable in the grocery store.

Recipe:

Filling
Olive oil
2 cups of fresh mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
1 medium diced onion
500 grams lean ground beef
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. thyme
Pepper to taste
3 medium chopped carrots
3/4 cup of frozen peas
1/2 cup of corn
2 T. butter
2 T. flour (for sugar detox use almond flour)
2/3 cup milk

Add 1 T. olive oil to large pan and saute mushrooms for 4 to 6 minutes until they let off their moisture. Then add onions and cook until transparent. Add ground beef and break up. Season to taste with basil, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper. Then add carrots, peas and corn. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until peas have defrosted. Pour into large casserole dish. In a pan on medium heat, melt butter then add flour. Use a spatula to combine and allow to cook until it bubbles turns a light blonde color. Pour in milk and whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Pour sauce into casserole dish and mix until the filling is coated.

Mashed cauliflower topping
1 small head cauliflower
1 clove garlic (optional)
1 T. butter
2 T. milk
2 T. sour cream
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup of grated cheese of choice

Preheat oven to 400F/200 C. Steam cauliflower florets on stovetop. Then combine it while its still warm with garlic, butter, milk and sour cream. Blend until smooth with emerson blender. Salt and pepper to taste. Use to cover the filling. Sprinkle dish with cheese and pop into oven until the cheese melts and begins to brown. Which should take about 15 minutes.