Smart Substitutions Equal Smiling Irish

 I decided to try something new.  Last night, I took a shot at a healthier Shepherd’s Pie.  It was going to be a significant challenge.  For one, I have never actually made Shepherd’s Pie.  For another, I married an Irishman.  As a rule, you don’t mess with an Irishman’s Shepherd’s Pie.  I had to keep some of my substitutions secret right to the very end, but when he tasted it; even he admitted it was really good.  Here’s what you need.

1 lb Ground Turkey (a substitute for the ground beef)

½ Sweet Onion

½ Package Frozen Peas

½ Package Frozen Carrots

***You may also wish to add some chopped celery or some mushrooms.  You can play with the veggies.  What frozen veggies do you like?  Green beans?  Broccoli? 

2 lb Mashed Cauliflower (a substitute for mashed potatoes…trust me, this is totally yummy)

***If you are looking for easy, some grocery stores with ready to eat food bars sell mashed cauliflower, but expect to pay for it.  If you have the time, it is less expensive to mash your own)

1 ½ Cups Water

Add ons:

¼ Cup Parmesan Cheese

¼ Cup Cheddar Cheese

***if you like, you can use low fat cheeses or skip cheese altogether.  We like cheese.

1 Package Knorr Shepherd’s Pie Mix (It was in the kitchen cabinet and I really wanted to try it.  I found ours in our local Irish Store in Occoquan)

***If you cannot find the mix for the broth, try using 2 cups chicken broth, flour, 1 teaspoon thyme.  Then salt and pepper to taste.  

Mash Cauliflower, set aside.

Lightly oil pan and stir fry chopped onion (celery and mushrooms too, if you are using them).  Add turkey; cook while stirring until pink is all gone.   Add Shepherd’s Pie mix and water.  Simmer.  It will create a light gravy.  

(The house already smells amazing at this point) 

Stir in peas and carrots (and other veggies you like) and cook until thawed.

Spray cooking spray in a 9 x 13 casserole dish. 

Pour in meat mixture. 

Spoon in the cauliflower and spread out.  Cover meat mixture entirely.  Shhhh...don't tell.  (He knew we had swapped some items, but he never figured out the mashed cauliflower swap)

Sprinkle with parmesan.

Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes uncovered. 

When nearly done, sprinkle lightly with cheddar cheese.

Remove from oven and let sit covered with foil for 10 minutes.  We did this because my husband was on the phone but, it turned out for the better.  It helped the Shepherd's Pie thicken.  

Now grab your spatula, serve and enjoy.   

Mmmm…there you have it, a healthier Shepherd’s Pie. 

Oh, and don’t forget the healthier drop biscuits.  

Now it's time to walk.  I should go over 1200 miles today.  One step at a time.  : )

Update:  I walked six miles at the mall this morning, then came home and walked another four with my Stepdaughter.  It's been an excellent day for walking...and its only noon.