Shepherd's Pie {MY VERSION}



I had never really tried Shepherd's Pie before a long conversation with my cousin, who makes it all the time.  She told me it was super easy and it was a favorite in her house so I knew I had to get the recipe and try it.  I made it and was shocked at how easy it was and how delicious it was.  This was going to be a keeper for us as well, I just knew it! This is my version, modified from the traditional Shepherd's Pie made with Lamb Meat and Vegetables. This recipe makes enough to serve between 6-8.

1/2 tray of ground turkey
2 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon cayenne (more or less depending on taste)
1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 onion, chopped
2 packets brown gravy mix (any brand you like)
1 shepherd’s pie mix (I use the Coleman Brand)
1/2-1 cup water depending on how thick you want the meat
Mashed potato (your favorite recipe or boxed)
Cheese

In a frying pan, add butter and the turkey meat, mixing it until it starts to brown. Then add onions, Cayenne (to taste), salt (to taste), black pepper (to taste), and garlic.  Once all that is combined, add the brown gravy mix, shepherd’s pie mix, and water to make the gravy (starting with ¼ cup, adding more as you need).  Adjust thickness as you like.  Transfer the meat to a baking dish and allow it to cool as you prepare the mashed potato.

In another pot make mashed potatoes like you usually do (make sure you make enough to cover the meat).  I usually use about 4-5 large russet potato to make enough to cover a large rectangle dish.  I love homemade mashed potatoes so boxed is really never an option for me!

Top the meat with the potatoes, making sure to cover the entire surface.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 40 minutes.  Once 40 minutes have passed, top the potatoes with your favorite cheese and return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes or until the cheese has melted completely.  Allow the Shepherd’s Pie to cool for about 10 minutes and cut and serve. 
This is one of my family's favorite comfort type dishes.  It is so delicious and even better right out of the oven with the cheese hot and bubbly! Make this today and you will not be sorry! Whenever you do, make sure you take the Thyme to Savor...

Indian Style Lettuce Wraps

This is my take on a favorite at PF Changs, the lettuce wraps.  In an effort to eat healthy, I have created this dish as a staple to our low calorie diet.  Here is how I make this.

Ingredients:

1/2 Lbs. Ground Turkey Meat (or any other ground meat you like)

2 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil

3 Teaspoon Garlic, Minced

1 Small Jalapeno, Minced (more for more  heat)

1 Teaspoon Fresh Ginger, Minced

3 Tablespoon Fresh Cilantro, Chopped

2 Teaspoon Ground Tumeric

4 Teaspoon Ground Coriander

2 Teaspoon Garam Masala

1/2 Teaspoon Tandoori Masala (optional)

1 Teaspoon Salt (more or less depending on your family's taste)

2 Cups Spinach, chopped

½ Cup Fresh Green Beans, chopped small

½ white onion

½ red bell pepper

Lettuce (any type you like, we usually use butter lettuce or whole romaine leaves)

Directions

Heat the oil in a large frying pan.  Once hot, add the green beans, bell peppers, and onion and allow them to cook for a minute or two.  Then add the turkey and allow it to cook for another minute or two.  Add all the spices, garlic, ginger, and jalapeno, mixing well.  Allow the meat to fully cook.  Once fully cooked, add the spinach until the spinach has wilted down. Check the seasonings and adjust to your taste.  Serve the meat in a plate with your favorite lettuce and enjoy. 

Whether you are dieting or not, this is a must try and remember to take the Thyme to Savor...

Kebob Pita Pockets

So here goes.. my first post on my new food blog! We decided to have Indian Style Kebob Pita Pockets!  These are so delicious, I really hope you give them a try!

Ingredients:
1/2 Lbs. Ground Turkey Meat (or any other ground meat you like)
3 Teaspoon Garlic, Minced
1 Small Jalapeno, Minced (more for more  heat)
1 Teaspoon Fresh Ginger, Minced

3 Tablespoon Fresh Cilantro, Chopped

2 Teaspoon Ground Tumeric

4 Teaspoon Ground Coriander

2 Teaspoon Garam Masala

1/2 Teaspoon Tandoori Masala (optional)

1 Teaspoon Salt (more or less depending on your family's taste)

1/8 Cup Vegetable Oil

Lemon Juice

Shredded Lettuce

Chopped Tomatoes

Chopped Red Onions

Pita Bread Pockets

Spicy Sour Cream Sauce (Recipe is below)

Directions:

Mix everything except the oil together into the ground meat.  Let this mixture marinate for at least a few hours but if you can marinate overnight, the kebobs will taste even better.  Once the meat has marinated and you are ready to begin, heat the oil in a large frying pan.  Make bite size meatballs and add to the pan.  Allow the meatballs to brown on all sides and until cooked through.  Once cooked, remove from the pan and onto a paper towel lined dish and allow the extra oil to drain.

While the meatballs are draining, heat your pita pockets and make the spicy sour cream sauce.

Spicy Sour Cream Sauce:

1/2 Cup Sour Cream
2 Table Spoon Siracha Hot Sauce
Salt and Pepper to taste.

Mix all ingredients together and set aside.

Once your pita pockets are heated through, cut the top open and spread about 1 Tablespoon of sour cream sauce on the inside.  Add the meatballs and shredded lettuce, onions, and tomatoes.  Top with more sauce if you like! Enjoy...

And make sure to take the Thyme to Savor...