Food is a Fine Thing...

A side-benefit of blogging is all the fabulous new recipes I've gleaned from others and added to my repertoire. I learned early-on that Builderman loves home-cooked meals so I set out to learn to cook. I've set off the smoke alarm more times than I can count, but such is life. Sara posted this recipe with this photo last month and it scored big points in our house. I'm positive it's not low calorie, but some people around here still weigh the same that they did some 30 years ago. Hint: that wouldn't be me. ; )

Beef, Cheddar and Potato Pie

2 lbs ground beef
2 carrots,cut into 1/4 in cubes
1 large onion, cut into cubes
2 stalks celery, cut into cubes
1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
1 large baking potato, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch cubes
1/2 cup beer (you could use beef stock instead of the beer)
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
salt and pepper
2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed but cold
1 large egg yolk, beaten with 1 Tbls water.

Preheat the oven to 375. In a skillet, combine the beef, carrots, onion, celery, garlic and potato and cook, breaking up the meat, over medium high heat until the beef is cooked through and some liquid has evaporated, about 15 minutes. Lower the heat to medium, add the beer and cook for 10 minutes. Add the cheese and salt and pepper to taste. let cool.

On a floured surface, roll 1 puff pastry sheet into a 12 inch round. place in a 10 inch skillet or deep pie dish. Roll the remaining puff pastry sheet into an 11 inch round. using a slotted spoon, transfer the meat mixture to pie. lightly brush the edge of the crust with some of the egg wash, then pace the second sheet on top press the edges to seal.

Place the pie on a baking sheet. brush the top with more of the egg wash and cut an "X" into the pastry center. Sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper. Bake for 25 minutes, tenting with foil if the crust darkens too quicky. transfer to a rack to cool for 15 minutes.


This is good winter fare and we surely have had winter this year. It even snowed a little at our house on Friday. I burned more than my share of firewood throughout the weekend.

Spring, where art thou?