Shepherd's Pie Its wonderfully simple name and unpretentious character prompted a young family we know to make this their Christmas Eve meal every year because it provides a plain yet tasty contrast to the rich food served on Christmas Day.

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups ground cooked meat

1 cup hot beef broth or leftover beef gravy

1 small onion, sliced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 cups mashed potatoes

1/4 cup half and half or milk

1 to 2 tablespoons butter, softened

Method 

Preheat oven to 350F (175C). In a medium-sized bowl, combine meat with broth or gravy and onion. Add salt and pepper. 

Turn into a heavy skillet and heat to simmering. Pour into a baking dish. Whip potatoes with half and half or milk, butter, salt and pepper.

Beat until light. Spread whipped potato mixture over meat mixture to cover completely.

Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until lightly browned. Makes 4 servings.