In a week’s span we visited several places in Norway, Scotland and England. 

One day we docked in Newcastle Upon Tyne which is a metropolitan borough in Tyne and Wear, England and located on the River Tyne and very populated. It was settled as a Roman settlement in the 1040’s but obviously not so Roman anymore. It was one of the largest ship building and repair centers in the world during the Industrial Revolution. Now there are many major corporations here as it truly is a metropolitan city. However, fishing, farming and tourism are still very important.

That day our excursion took us to Alnick Castle a tour I chose today because so much of Harry Potter and Downton Abbey was filmed there. I did try to view DA but really had a difficulty understand the accents and mainly because of my hearing. I read some of Harry Potter but not to the extent that our grandson Vince did. Anyway I thought I would be able to find some interesting DVD’s or literature to pick up but was told Warner Bros would not allow. The guide who gave the HP walk tour was very interesting and pointed out that many things that are seen in the filming actually have taken place in other appropriate places for the scene in other countries. I hope I remember a few of the stories later on when we are together with family. The tour guide was a wealth of info and very entertaining. And again the scenery to and fro on the very comfortable motor coach was enjoyable. One thing I did notice here where we have travelled is that graffiti is almost nonexistent. And very little litter…almost none. But some of the young people do dress weird! And almost everyone has at least one tattoo.  So another glorious day. Although I did see a dog with sunglasses, and they looked custom made. And we passed a little shop that specialized in freshly made dog food.

Oh I will mention that I was told that Aldi’s, here, sells insect sandwiches and there is an area nearby that is cultivating insects on an insect farm just to prepare for this new craze.

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AND NOW FOR WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN A HARRY POTTER MEAL!

Homemade Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort dish with a reputation to match. The combination of a generous meat and vegetable filling with a creamy mashed potato topping is a sure winner. So, pick a dreary day, get out your apron, preheat your oven, and prepare to create a comforting dish for your family.

PREHEAT OVEN TO 375º

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 lbs ground beef or lamb
1 large onion – roughly chopped
2 carrots – diced
1 celery stalk – diced
1 cup peas
3 cloves garlic – minced
1 cup beef broth – homemade or store bought
Worcestershire Sauce – to your taste
3 tbs tomato paste – or more to taste
2 1/2 lbs Russet potatoes – peeled and quartered
1/2 cup milk – whole, not low-fat
4 tablespoons butter unsalted
Salt and pepper to taste
Pinch of nutmeg – optional

PUTTING IT TOGETHER:

Cook the ground beef, onions, carrots and celery until the veggies are tender and beef or lamb is browned. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings. Simmer for about 12-15 minutes.

While this is simmering, peel and cube 5 medium (2 ½ lbs) Russet potatoes. Boil them until fork tender, then mash them up until soft and smooth. You can, as I do, boil with skin on to avoid excess water moisture. Just prepare for hot fingers as you peel. Also, I like to mix in a little milk, butter, and nutmeg as I’m mashing until I get the right consistency.

To assemble: pour the beef mixture into a lightly sprayed casserole dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading evenly to the edges giving it a good seal. Brush the top with a little melted butter.

Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes until piping hot and the potatoes get a little crispy or crusty on top.

Let it cool just for a few minutes before serving. The fluffy mashed potatoes and generous filling make this the ultimate comfort meal.

Please remember to adjust cooking times and ingredients based on your preferences and the products you use. 

BUON MANGIATA!

BUON MANGIATA!