Easy Shepherd's Pie

Sorry, I have not been posting recently. I have been taking care of my Sweetie as he has just had minor surgery this past Wednesday. He is recuperating quite well, so no need for worry.

As a result of this surgery, we are on a very tight budget. He does not qualify for paid time off as he has not yet been a permanent employee for a year. We did save up, but...several days before the surgery, his condition worsened and his company Human Resources representative told him to get a doctor's note for restricted duty. So, he got the note and then his company said they could not accommodate these restrictions and placed him on forced leave of absence. I am telling you, benefits are not what they used to be.

Anyway, as a result of this tight budget, I am going to see just how good I am at keeping us fed...

Besides using simple ingredients, creativity with leftovers is one of my strategies.

A couple of days ago, I had a frozen turkey drumstick left over from Thanksgiving dinner (the last of that turkey). I had some leftover mashed potatoes in the fridge. Hmmm...

So, I bought a bag of mixed veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots) and put this easy Shepherd's Pie together. Serves two.

Sorry, we ate it up before I remembered the camera.

Easy Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients:

about a cup of chopped cooked turkey
about a cup of leftover mashed potatoes
about 1 1/2 cups frozen veggies
about 2 cups basic white sauce*
about 1/2 cup grated cheese

Steps:

1. Lightly oil two individual casserole dishes or use casserole dish small enough for two servings.

2. Mix white sauce with turkey and veggies and pour into casserole dish(es). Carefully spread mashed potatoes over the mixture. Top with a little grated cheese. I had some french fried onions on hand, so I added some over the top for crunch.

3. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until browned on top. It was delicious.

*Basic White Sauce

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
4 tablespoons flour
salt
pepper
dash nutmeg
about 1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup water

In a medium sauce pan, melt butter in olive oil, add flour. Stirring constantly, cook this mixture just a few minutes. Add a little salt and pepper. Continuing to stir constantly, slowly add the water and about a cup of the milk. As mixture comes to a boil, turn down heat and if too thick, add more milk. Once you have the consistency of a gravy, add a dash of nutmeg and simmer just a few minutes longer.