Sweet Potato - Topped Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients

• 3 large or 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon paprika or sweet smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 8 ounces crimini or white mushrooms, quartered
• 2 pounds ground sirloin
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 large cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, thinly sliced, or 2 teaspoons dried rubbed sage (about 2/3 palmful)
• 1 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 3/4 cup dark beer (optional)
• 1 cup beef stock (1 1/2 cups if not using beer)
• About 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• A little chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Serves 4

Preparation

Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Salt the water and cook the potatoes until tender, about 18 minutes; drain. Return the potatoes to the hot pot and mash with the milk, 1 tablespoon butter, the egg and paprika; season with salt and pepper.

Pre-heat the broiler and position a rack in the lower third of the oven.

Place a heavy pot or large dutch oven on medium-high heat. Add the EVOO, 1 1/2 turns of the pan, and the mushrooms and cook until darkened, 6-7 minutes. Add the sirloin and cook until browned, 5 minutes. Add the onion, garlic and sage; season with salt and pepper. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the peas.

While the onion cooks, heat a small saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter to melt, then whisk in the flour for 1 minute. Add the beer, if using, and cook until reduced, a minute or two. Add the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce; season with salt and pepper. Cook until thickened slightly, then whisk in the mustard. Stir the gravy into the meat..

Pour the meat and gravy into a casserole and top with the sweet potatoes. Broil until the potatoes are set and lightly golden-brown at the edges. Top with the parsley.

Can't believe the weather!!  Wow!! the sun is shining and I was able to take Earl for a walk.  It is so nice out.  I am off the schedule for the 14th.  I am so glad.  I thought that I was going to have trouble with getting that day off.  Thank God that every thing has worked out.  I am so glad that I don't worry about such stuff any more.  It really is such a waste of time and energy.