February Haul + Shepherd's Pie

With the exception of these eye-catching Also Nika Pumps, everything purchased in the month of February was done while I was away, either in Ireland or Florida.


And here is some more about the one shoe from that caught my eye in Aldo's store window and was really love at first sight. Lime green is my favorite color and I love how the Lucite heel looks so cool and after trying it on, I was sold on how comfy it was despite the high heel height. It also comes in red and blue with matching lucite heels with a metal core.

Aldo Nika Pump

Here's a recipe for delicious shepherd's pie for this weather that's still a bit chilly at times before it's officially Spring:

SHEPHERD'S PIE

1 1/5 lbs ground beef

1 carrot, grated

1 medium yellow onion, diced

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 3/4 cups beef stock or broth

3 tablespoons ketchup

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

salt and pepper

1 (10 oz) package frozen peas

8 medium potatoes

1/2 to 3/4 cup milk

2 oz cheddar cheese grated (optional)

1. Peel and quarter potatoes and put into large saucepan. Cover with water and boil with a few teaspoons of salt for 20 minutes.

2. Drain potatoes. Heat 1/2 cup of milk and butter in small saucepan and add to the potatoes. Mash the potatoes with masher or electric mixer and beat until smooth. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of milk if necessary. Stir in the cheese if desired and season the potatoes to taste with salt and pepper.

3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and lightly grease a 3-quart casserole dish.

4. Brown the beef in large skillet over medium high heat. Drain. Push the meat to one side and saute carrot and onion for 4 to 5 minutes.

5. Push the onions and carrots to one side and melt the butter. Whisk flour into butter, then stir everything together. Add stock, ketchup, and Worcestershire and cook for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then add peas.

6. Spoon meat into casserole dish. Spoon mashed potatoes on top of meat.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the potatoes are browned. Serve immediately.

Makes 8 servings.

Leaving you with the quote of the day, "If you work just for money, you'll never make it, but if you love what you're doing and you always put the customer first, success will be yours." -Ray Kroc