Shepherd's Pie - the Opposite of Baker's Lamb Chops

I've never been a shepherd, but I have done a fair amount of mentoring. As hungry as that made me, I can only imagine the appetite a shepherd must build up after a long day of chasing sheep (not to mention how sleepy they must get when they have to do inventory). So, it's no wonder this incredibly comforting casserole called shepherd's pie was named in their honor.

Fair warning; this video recipe is another entry in the Kraft cooking video challenge, and is dripping with enough product placement to make Will Smith cringe. Notwithstanding my shameless attempt to win some corporate cash (I'm doing it for all the Nico's out there), this really is a good recipe with its combination of ease, frugality, and homey goodness.

Shepherd's pie recipes are traditionally done with lamb, but are great with any ground meat - turkey and beef being the most popular modern versions. Give this great casserole a try, and watch everyone flock to the table. Enjoy!



Ingredients:
1 lb lean ground beef
3 tbsp flour
3/4 cup beef broth or stock
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
3 tbsp ketchup (or Kraft red pepper dressing!)
4 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrot, corn), thawed and drained well
1 1/4 lb gold or red potatoes, cut into large chunks
3 cloves garlic, peeled, halved
3/4 cup light sour cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Greek Grape Leaf Wreath - Festive and Filling!

I had a request recently from the Greek food guide on About.com, Nancy, for a video recipe for a dish called "Rolo me Abelophylla," which is a meat, rice and cheese loaf in grape leaves. I decided to do a vegetarian version using lentils since I've always enjoyed cold rice and lentil salads, and thought this combo would be perfect with the grape leaves. It was.

When you add the tangy feta, and consider the very holiday-ish design, this would be a fantastic item to bring to that Holiday party. Imagine the look on everyone's face when you walk in carrying this! Suddenly their cheese ball doesn't look so hot.

If you decide to attempt this fairly easy ring of rice, you can find jarred grape leaves in any Greek market, or high-end store. Nancy suggests using the dried leaves if you can find them - these are boiled to soften and are larger and easier to use. But, the brand you see in the video in the larger jars worked fine. Enjoy!

* Please help support free video recipes, and visit my new sponsor, MOZO Shoes. Find out why chefs (like me) are buzzing about their great shoes!


Click here for ingredients and recipe transcript.

DVD Update!

From the looks of the poll there seems to be enough interest for me to go ahead and have a 100 DVD's pressed. Please hold your order requests until tomorrow when I post the official order page. Here are some facts and figures.

The DVD is titled "Food Wish Favorites Vol. 1"
It will feature the following 12 videos, which I chose to give the recipient a wide range of techniques, styles, and one-liners.

This should serve as a great introduction to the site.
Chicken Gumbo
Shrimp Jambalaya
Farmer's Cheese
No-Knead Bread
Ginger Chicken Wings
Chicken Parmesan Bake
Braised Beef Merlot
Lamb Chops
French Onion Soup
Split Pea Soup
Real French Toast
Mushroom Veggie Burger

• The cost will be $25 and includes shipping and handling.
• Each disc will be signed and numbered to avoid future controversies in natural history museums.
• Only 100 DVD's will be offered at this time, on a first come, first serve basis, unless you are a friend, relative, have donated money before, or are willing to make me an offer I can't refuse.
• Discs will be shipped out using regular first-class mail (only the best for you guys), and will be mailed by December 15th.
• Due to time constraints and present workload, I can't do any custom messages or gift-wrapping. The DVD will be in a real jewel case made from the finest clear plastic.
• SORRY, but I can only ship to USA for now, but will soon research the shipping costs for international purchases. UPDATE: INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING NOW AVAILABLE!
  

That's all for now. More tomorrow, and then you can start flooding me with orders!

I'll have a new recipe video up later today.

Happy Cyber Monday! For Sale: Me

Yes, it's cyber Monday - the first weekday after the Thanksgiving weekend when online retailers get their largest traffic surge as bargain hunters hit the internet en mass.

I know what many of you are thinking, "Gee, I wish Chef John had a DVD for sale so I could finally help him keep the site up and running, AND score a sweet gift for my friends and family members that can't cook." It's like I read your mind, isn't it?

Well, you're in luck! I will be selling a DVD with some of my most popular video recipes so you can give the gift of me to others. I know you've told hundreds, if not thousands of people about this blog, but let's face it - people rarely do what you tell them too. Now, at nominal expense to you, they can watch these recipes on TV and cook along with Chef John.

Since this is mainly a fundraising effort (as well as providing you with a one-of-a-kind gift), I'm thinking of $25 dollars for 9 video recipe lessons. What do you think? Would you support the site and buy one (or lots) of these DVD's? Please take the poll below so I have an idea! I will make the official offer on Wednesday. Thanks!!

Would you buy a $25 DVD from Chef John to give as a gift?
	Yes! I have been meaning to help support the site, and I do need some inexpensive gift options.
	No! I love the site, but you're not getting any money from me. Nice try.
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