Update and Cottage Pie

Hello dear readers! Howdy to the new folks! Miss MoMo and her boy child Leo hope you will stick around for a while and scratch their heads.

Sorry bout missing last week. My work schedule got changed and the boy child and I made a big push for more winter firewood. Sadly, we are still behind where I wish we were, but we got some at least. Might be able to get some more of that done this coming weekend.

Which begs the question of the weather. Our very odd weather. Since I have moved from Arizona in 2009, first to Colorado, then now here to Wyoming, I have not seen at minimum 1, more often 2, storms that has produced measurable snow before Thanksgiving. Our current day temps are in the mid 50’s and it only just started to hit the high 20’s at night. There has barely been a precipitation also. A short sprinkle of rain last evening and one evening of big fat snowflakes which declined to stick around long. The forecast for the week ahead shows no change in this pattern.

We only just this past weekend put out our first bale of winter hay. The sheep let me know that the remaining graze in the area was gone. I am beyond grateful that it held out for an additional 6 week!! Bale usage usually starts the first week of October here. Everyone is fat and sassy going into the coming winter.

I am not really looking forward to winter this year. I just have a bad feeling about it. All the long-range forecasts are showing extremely cold and very wet. Plus, I’m hearing predictions of a new ice age???? WTF? I remember hearing about that coming in the 1970’s when I was in junior high! Well, I got the wool for the clothing on hand! Get your wooly clothes from me now and beat the rush!

I have gotten back on the knitting train and have managed to finish 3 kid’s sweaters so far in the past month. It does feel good to get my hands back into some yarn and finish these cute snuggly sweaters. The third one is currently hanging out on the line to dry. And I have a 4th one just started this morning.

I have not done much interesting cooking with new recipes. I have not found one that really grabs my fancy lately. Got any ideas for me? Something you have heard about that sounds fun and exciting. Please, no fish, I won’t eat it!

I did take the turkey out of the freezer to thaw out this week. I am looking forward to that. What is on your table for Thanksgiving?

In the meantime I did make a cottage pie a la Fat Turkey. One of our go-to comfort foods around here. It’s easily customizable to your tastes.

It starts with baking powder biscuit dough.

1/2 C shortening

2 C flour

1 T baking powder

1 t salt

3/4 C milk

Cut your flour mix into your shortening until it resembles fine crumbs. Add the milk and mix into your dough, knead a few times. If you like, you can add herbs or whatever you like to flavor your dough. I’ve done Italian herbs in the past

I put it into a pie plate and smash it around until the bottom and sides are covered. Bake at 350 for about 20 mins. I don’t bake it completely as it will finish baking in a bit.

Mash the middle bit down so you have a nice well in your crust.

Brown 1lb of ground beef, add your desired spice, salt, pepper, and 1 C of brown gravy. To this I also add in a can of veggie. Last night was corn, but it also goes well with green beans, peas or diced carrots.

Put all that into your pie plate dough crust.

Top it with a shredded cheese of your liking. Last night was Cheddar Jack. You can’t go wrong with too much, so don’t be stingy.

Make up your favorite mashed potato’s. I’ve used fresh made with just milk and butter, or with sour cream, and even instant.

Top your pie with a good healthy layer and bring it out to the edge of your pie crust.

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Longer if you put the pie together cold. Your potato top should just start to brown a bit.

It’s easy to make up the components earlier and put it together just before your dinner time.

Boy child had two helpings last night and said “that was so good my gut is gunna bust!”

I hope you give this one a try and like it!

Blessed Be!

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If you are looking for something special for your holiday gift list, please stop by my online shop and see if something strikes your fancy. There are wool hats, warm mittens, kid’s sweaters, sourdough starter, and a lace shawl that will make any lady feel loved wearing it. Thank you for stopping by!

I’m running my thank you on Thanksgiving special. 20% off a year’s subscription! Your financial support of my writing helps me to keep my farm going for another year. It covers the cost of winter hay, spring shearing, and any vet bills that may come in. I am grateful for your love! Thank you!