Shepherd's Pie Made Magic

The most delicious and hearty comfort food to come from potatoes, beef, & corn.

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Now, before anyone says a word: I know. I know Shepherd's Pie uses lamb and Cottage Pie uses beef. We're using beef for this, so call it what you like, but it's all Shepherd's Pie to me, to be honest. However, no matter what meat you use, it is downright delicious—especially with the addition of a few spices that one might not normally think for this dish.

Whenever I make a meal like this, it's great, because the main thing I have to look up is the time it takes to bake and the temperature. Otherwise, everything is pretty much up to me, and a dish like that means endless opportunities for customization—especially when most actual recipes aren't very hefty on the seasonings. That gets me googling the different flavor profiles that go with a meal like Shepherd's Pie, and I'll say: the sweetness of the corn and onions, the savory beef? It sounds to me like a solid opportunity for some floral flavors and a bit of sweet spice.

And boy, I was not wrong.

We're going to look at a Shepherd's Pie that protects the shepherd's flock today: one that deals with the herbs rosemary, cinnamon, and sage. These herbs are a classic for protecting, purifying, and getting some blood back into your cheeks (physically as much as magically, as cinnamon increases blood flow).

Magic in Shepherd's Pie

As I said: this dish is one of protection and vigor, as well as cleansing the spirit. Rosemary has long been used alongside juniperin European folk magic to cleanse negativity and protect a home, and cinnamon is a spice that heats you up from the inside, bringing you the tastes of Christmas and staving off those colder winter months (it's no wonder it became such a prominent spice for all of our end-of-year treats)!

With the elements of air and fire, as well as the planets the Sun and Jupiter, these ingredients are all about the kind of protection that isn't so much to keep evil out the way onions or garlic do, but to make oneself impervious to bad luck, pessimism, or people's ire. The Sun shines bright and confident, while Jupiter, the planet of luck and grace, gives its bearers in Sagittarius an uncanny ability to charm others and succeed in their ventures. It's the perfect meal to protect a family from misfortune and boost their energy, letting them reap the benefits of high confidence, charisma, hard work, and a good dose of luck.

Shepherd's Pie

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Makes 4-6 Servings

Ingredients:

2 lbs	Beef, ground
1 Large	Onion, diced
3 Cloves	Garlic, minced
1 Can	Sweet Corn
1 Tbsp	Garlic Powder
1 Tbsp	Onion Powder
1/2 Tbsp	Cinnamon
1/2 Tbsp	Thyme, Rosemary, Sage
1/2 tsp	Nutmeg
6 oz	Tomato Paste
4-5 Medium	Potatoes, peeled & boiled
1 Stick	Unsalted Butter
1 Cup	Milk
1 Tbsp	Honey
To Taste	Salt & Pepper
OPTIONAL: 1/4 Cup	Red Wine

Directions:

• Peel and cut your potatoes, then boil until fork tender.

• Chop your onion and fry until golden brown in an oven safe skillet.

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

• Add your meat and break apart, then fry until browned.

• Add spices, tomato paste, wine, and corn, and mix well.

• Mash your potatoes with butter, salt, milk, honey, pepper, and a little bit more cinnamon, sage, onion powder, and garlic powder.

• Even out the meat and spread your mashed potatoes on top.

• Bake for 20-25 minutes, then broil for another 5, until the potatoes are lightly browned and crispy on top.

• Let sit for 10 minutes and enjoy!

An honestly amazing dish. Normally with stuff like Shepherd's Pie, I thought the flavor had to be basic, but as with most things, if you know the right combination of flavors, you can take even the coziest and most humble meals and kick them up a notch. Definitely try this out on one of those busy weeknights!