Wednesday, January 11, 2012

My version of Shepherd's Pie


Simple seems to be my new mantra when it comes to cooking. I'm now a mom (Jack arrived on December 7, weighing 9.1 lbs via a natural, unmedicated labor and delivery) and we're slowly finding a schedule together. I'm now cooking and writing again, but I'm also at his beckon call. Simple food has become a necessity.

Add to that this whole trying-to-eat-healthy thing. My mid-section certainly isn't the same after carrying a 9 lb baby and I'd like to assist its shrinking in any way possible, so that's another goal: more veggies, less fat and high fiber. (It's not advised to go on a diet during the first few months of breastfeeding, which is why I'm not counting calories/limiting food, etc)

So, in an effort to keep simple and healthy, here's my take on gluten free and dairy free Shepherd's Pie:

Bison Shepherd's Pie

gluten-free, dairy-free, serves 4


For topping:

3 large sweet potatoes

2 tablespoons earth balance

1 tablespoon maple syrup

paprika for garnish


For bottom:

1 small onion, diced

1 cup carrots, diced

2 cloves garlic of 1 tsp garlic powder

1 cup button mushrooms (any type mushroom is fine)

1 lb ground bison

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

salt and pepper, about 1 teaspoon each


(I'm not much for exact measurements in recipes like these, all amounts except for the bison are approximate)



Poke holes in sweet potatoes and microwave at "potato" setting until cooked through (you could also boil or bake until tender). Preheat oven to 400 F. Meanwhile, in a large saute pan over medium-low heat saute onion, carrot and mushroom until slightly tender, then add garlic, bison, Worcestershire and salt and pepper and cook until pink is gone from bison. When sweet potatoes are done cooking, cool slightly, peel and mash with earth balance and maple syrup. Spoon bison mixture on bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish and top with sweet potato mixture. Sprinkle with paprika and bake at 400 for 30 minutes.

6 comments:

Jen said...

This looks so good!! I'm so glad to see a new post, I hope to see more soon! Miss ya!

Liz said...

Thanks Jen! Thanks for the encouragement. I'm planning on writing at least two a week. I love being a mom but it's a nice break from changing diapers :)

Kelli said...

What a great recipe! I started following your blog a while back and happy to see your back at it. What a cute bundle of joy. Congrats:)

Liz said...

Thank you Kelli! It's nice to hear the encouragement. I'll be writing a lot more now that the site's had a facelift.

glutenfreeforgood said...

OH MY GOSH! You had a baby! No wonder you've been out of the blogging loop. I'm so glad you stopped by and said hello and I'm thrilled to be reconnected. My life has been crazy busy as well. I've got a new book (rather than a baby) that is about to be published. =)

Wow, 9 pounds! That's one big baby. He is a doll and you are embarking on the greatest journey ever. Enjoy each minute (even the unpleasant ones) because they grow up fast. I'm sooo happy for you. And glad you're back in the blogosphere. Love the new look of your blog. How is Henry reacting to the new baby?

Sending good energy and well wishes your way!
Melissa

CaliValleyGirl said...

I just checked some of my old haunts from back in the day, and happened upon your blog...and omg, it's so crazy how us former military girlfriends are now military spouses and mothers. Congrats! BTW, I totally wanted to name our 2nd son Jack too...but instead I had a daughter and then another daughter...so no Jack! Boo!