The kitchen is my lab.

I'm sad that I didn't have time to make some Irish soda bread or Barmbrack this year nor did I watch "The Quiet Man."  (Insert big fat frowny face here).  But by golly, I had to at least celebrate some how!  So, I made my own shepherd's pie and called it a day.

Here's the recipe if you're interested:
Ingredients:
- 1 pkg of soy crumbles
- 1 small can of vegetable stock (equivalent to 2 cups)
- 3-4 tbsp of flour (or enough to thicken it to your preferred consistency)
- 3 large potatoes (or if you're lazy like me, 3-4 cans of sliced/cubed potatoes)
- 2 tbsp of butter
- Shredded cheese
- Vegetables of your choice (I used frozen corn, peas and carrots, and green beans)
- Pepper
- Thyme


Directions:
1.) Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F.

2.) If using fresh potatoes, skin and boil in water until tender (but not mushy).  Drain water and mash.  (If using canned, drain liquid and mash or if you're extra lazy pressed for time like me, throw those bad boys in a food processor and PRESTO!  Instant mashed potatoes without the dehydration.)

3.) Add the butter to the mashed potatoes to make a bit creamier (or you can sub sour cream).  Set aside.

4.) If using frozen veggies, throw them in the microwave and heat according to the directions (or cook them on the stove top.  Who am I to judge?)

5.) Warm up/brown soy crumbles in a very large frying pan.  Once warmed, add the veggies (or better yet, just throw the still frozen veggies in with the soy crumbles like I did.  Lazy to the max!)

6.) Add stock to the mixture about 1/2 cup at a time and alternate adding flour and the stock.

7.) Add seasonings to taste.

8.) Once everything is thickened to your liking, put the veggie/soy mixture at the bottom of a 9"x13" cake pan.

9.) Spread potatoes on top.

10.) Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until potatoes have browned.

11.)  Sprinkle some cheese on top.

12.) Bake for another 5-10 minutes of until cheese has melted.

NOTE: if your veggies have a butt load of freezer burn, the extra ice/water from the veggies will mean you'll have to add more flour to thicken the sauce.  So, prepared to add more flour or compensate by adding less stock.



Now, I have eaten a certain nameless fast food joint's oatmeal in the morning and decided I can save money while enjoying it more if I made my own because I can whatever fruit I want.  (I know - way to stick it to the man.)

Below, you can see my colorful and very yummy oatmeal.  As I ate it in the car while driving (because that's safe and I only drive safely), I did my yummy tummy dance and said aloud, "Ugh!  You're so good!  Why don't I eat you more often?"  If you like oatmeal, I encourage you to do make your own.  I did plain with some strawberries, raisins, Granny Smith apples, and blueberries topped with some maple syrup and brown sugar.  And the best part?  I was full for HOURS!  One of the most filling breakfasts I've had in, well, ever!