Shepherd’s Pie

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Melt 1 ounce of butter over moderate heat, cook the onions for 5 to 7 minutes, until they are soft and translucent. Stir in the meat, pepper, herbs, Worcestershire sauce and cook for 5 minutes stirring frequently. Stir in the stock, then transfer the meat mixture to a shallow oven proof dish. Mash the potatoes and mix with the milk and remaining butter. Spoon the potatoes over the meat in an even layer. Draw decorative lines over the potatoes with a fork, dot small pieces of butter on top and bake in the center of the oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown. Serve immediately from the dish with a vegetable such as peas, sweet corn or brussels sprouts.

Variations on the dish can be made by adding a variety of ingredients to the meat mixture including: tomatoes, tomato sauce, peas, green peppers and gravy instead of beef stock.