This is one of my favorites...thanks to George at the Irish Heritage Newsletter. Shepherd's Pie 450g of minced beef 1 tablespoon of olive oil 2 medium sized chopped onions 75g chopped carrots 1 teaspoon of thyme 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley 1 tablespoon of plain flour 275ml of beef stock 1 tablespoon of tomato puree Salt and pepper 900g of potatoes 50g of butter Method 1. Heat the olive oil and fry the onions for about 5 minutes and then add the chopped carrots and continue frying for an additional 5 minutes. Then remove the vegetables from the frying pan. 2. Increase the heat on the frying pan and cook the beef in batches and afterwards season with salt and pepper and add the vegetables along with thyme and parsley. 3. Stir in the flour and gradually add the beef stock to the mixture. Then add the tomato puree and reduce the heat and allow mixture to cook for 30 minutes. 4. Peel and boil the potatoes and sprinkle with salt. After about 25 minutes the potatoes should be ready and at this point mash them and add butter. 5. When the meat is ready put it into a baking dish and spread the mashed potato on top. Now bake for a further 25 minutes until golden and crispy on top. -- Pat Connors, Sacramento CA http://www.connorsgenealogy.com