Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• 4 medium to large Russet potatoes peeled and sliced
  
• 5 whole cloves garlic peeled and smashed
  
• 1 cup milk
  
• 6 tablespoons butter
  
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Place potatoes and garlic in a large pot and cover with cold water.
2. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 12 minutes. Check the potatoes by piercing one
through the center with a knife or skewer to see if it is tender.
3. Drain.
4. While the potatoes are cooking, place the milk and butter in saucepan over low heat until butter melts.
5. Mash the potatoes and garlic in a Kitchen Aid mixer with the whip attachment.
6. Add the milk and butter and continue mashing.
7. Add salt and pepper to taste.
8. The potatoes will be used to cover the Shepherd's Pie (or they can be used alone).

Hints and Clue: Be careful not to overwhip because the potatoes will become sticky and gluey. I like lots of salt and pepper in this recipe.

Shepherd's Pie

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
  
• 1 1/2 cups small pearl onions, peeled and halved
  
• 3 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  
• 3/4 cupcelery chopped (approximately 2 stalks)
  
• 2 cups mushrooms cleaned and sliced
  
• 3 tablespoons flour
  
• 2 pounds ground beef
  
• salt and pepper to taste
  
• 1 cup beef stock
  
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
  
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  
• 1/2 cup (plus a bit for garnish), roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley
  
• garlic mashed potatoes (recipe follows)
  
• 1/4 cup, grated parmesan cheese
  
• 1/2 cup, grated cheddar cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 425 F.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
3. Add pearl onions, toss, cover, and steam until they begin to soften, 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and celery and stir.
5. Add mushrooms and cook until they give off liquid and start to brown, approximately 5 minutes.
6. Add 1 tablespoon of flour, stir, and cook 1 to 2 minutes. Add meat, break it up, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
7. Add stock, tomato paste, thyme, and pepper flakes and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer until gravy thickens and is absorbed by meat.
8. Stir in 1/2 cup parsley and remaining flour.
9. Pour filling in a deep pie dish and let cool.
10. Spread the mashed potatoes on top of the meat.
11. Sprinkle potatoes with Parmesan and Cheddar cheeses.
12. Bake pie for about 15 to 20 minutes.
13. Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining chopped parsley. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Hints and Clues: Allow all the liquid to be absorbed by the meat and vegetables so it doesn't spill out later. If you cannot find pearl onions, just chop and add the onions you have at hand. You can use leftover cooked hamburger meat rather than raw, or make the meat a day ahead and reheat it before cooking. Top the pie with the Parmesan and Cheddar cheeses to help with the browning process. As the cheese bakes, it makes a nice crust on top of the potatoes.