THE LAMB CHALLENGE: Shepard's Pie Recipe

Shepard's Pie!

As a part of the "Lamb Challenge" Kev and I had a few weeks back, I created an extremely delicious Shepard's pie.  Growing up my Grandma used to make, what she called, Shepard's pie - it was actually Cottage pie because it was made with ground or minced beef.  The "real" thing calls for ground lamb; so it was a no brainer to decide on this dish for the challenge.

I based my recipe on Danny Boome's Mummy's traditional recipe.  (When I asked my Grandma for her recipe, she told me the basics but then suggested using the "packet" from the supermarket.  Sorry Gram, I love your cooking but there was no way that was going to happen).

RECIPE: Blueberry BBQ Braised Short Ribs, Sweet Potato Cakes and Brussels Sprouts - NO ALCOHOL.

Brace yourself this is going to be a long one.....

Kevin and I decided to go completely sober for the entire month of January.  No alcohol means more time for us to experiment with new recipes.  This past weekend's meal was Sweet Potato cakes, Roasted Brussels Sprouts tossed in a fish sauce vinaigrette with Braised Short Ribs in a Blueberry BBQ sauce.  

Did I mention my Grandma bought me a badass food processor for Christmas???  

Grates sweet potatoes in a flash and also sounds like I'm sawing wood in my apartment because it's so loud.  But I LOVE IT!!!!

Recipe: Bo Ssam

After eating Bo Ssam at Momofuku, Kev and I started researching how David Chang makes the pork for this delicious dish.  After a few blog posts, I decided it wasn't too difficult; in fact it look rather simple.  

So I had off first Friday in December; Kev and I had plans to create some Christmas traditions and put up our Christmas tree. I decided to surprise him and make Bo Ssam. And here it goes.....

Went to the Berry Fresh Market in Astoria, there was this lovely 5 llb pork butt, I asked the butcher if he could cut this in half.  He said yes and do you want the bone; my response was OF COURSE.