Cheesy Irish Mix Up

Snow is coming our way again. Not only is it difficult running when there’s a lot of snow in the road but cars don’t like to drive in it either. You know how the wheels of vehicles will make two clear lanes on a snow covered road? As a runner who avoids the snow, I like to run in those clear lanes when there are no cars approaching. But you know what’s funny? Cars like to drive in those clear paths as well. There have been times when a driver would rather take me out than drive to the far side where there might be a little slush. What ever happened to pedestrian right of way?!

As Rita Rudner put it…..”I don’t think jogging is healthy, especially morning jogging. If morning joggers knew how tempting they looked to morning motorists, they would stay home and do sit-ups.”

This week Carla offers us a recipe by Nicole Verel-Lanigan. This is a casserole style meal that is very similar to a Shepherds Pie.

Serves 6

• 1lb ground turkey
• 2 packages dry gravy mix
• 1 pkg. instant mashed potatoes – prepare according to package directions and set aside
• 1 bag of frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• salt and pepper to taste *Remember those package mixes have plenty of salt in them!

Preheat oven to 400 F.

In a large pan, cook the turkey until it turns white. Dab out any extra fat from the pan.

Mix one of the gravy packets according to directions, usually with one cup of water, then add the mixed-liquid gravy to the turkey in the pan. Stir to combine then add the frozen vegetables to heat through.

Pour the turkey mix in a 9 x 13 baking pan. Mix up the 2nd package of gravy according to directions to make liquid and add to the turkey mix. Top with the prepared potatoes..

Sprinkle all over the top with the shredded cheese and bake uncovered for 30 minutes.

Unfortunately I didn’t prepare a vegetarian alternative so I relied on Ted and young Teddy to offer their review. Both thought the dish had a lot of flavor, plenty of vegetables, not too salty and it did remind them of shepherds pie.

For a recipe that should serve six, this one was presented to two men who ate all but a serving to remain in the pan. Guess it must have been good. Way to go Carla! Another terrific, easy meal.