Cottage Pie.

A slice of heaven. Tuesday night we enjoyed an English Cottage Pie while watching the Fab 5 take the Gold in gymnastics while Michael Phelps earned the most hardware ever in the world in swimming. What a great night, all around (no pun). Watching the Olympics is the most exciting sport to watch. I would say it trumps a football or baseball game any old day.  These athletes are so inspiring. So dedicated. I can't wait for tonight's competition. Go Gabby and Aly!

I found this recipe on Cooking Light's website. There is nothing light about the flavor. It was so rich and wonderful. It will definately become a staple in our kitchen this fall and winter. It makes our own Fab 5 list of the best recipes of 2012.


English Cottage Pie
Ingredients
1 Tbl all-purpose flour
1 Tbl butter, softened
Cooking Spray
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1 8oz. pkg of button mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 pound extra-lean ground beef
2 Tbl tomato paste (no-salt added)
1 cup fat-free, lower sodium beef broth
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 Tbl fresh thyme leaves (I used ground)
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups leftover mashed potatoes (I purchased in the Dahl's deli)
3/4 cup (3 oz.) shredded reduced-fat sharp white cheddar cheese, divided
Paprika (optional)

Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Combine flour and butter; stir well. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add onion and carrot; sauté 5 minutes. Add mushrooms; sauté for 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove vegetables from skillet. Add beef to pan; cook 5 minutes or until browned, stirring to crumble. Stir in tomato paste, and cook 3 minutes. Stir in broth and pepper. Return vegetables to pan, and bring to a simmer. Stir in parsley, thyme, and salt. Add flour mixture, and cook for 1 minute or until thick, stirring constantly.
3. Spoon meat mixture into an 8-inch square glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray, spreading evenly. Combine the potatoes and half of cheese; spread the potato mixture evenly over meat mixture. Top with remaining cheese. Sprinkle with paprika, if desired. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until bubbly.