Ultimate Leftover Meal

Sadly, on the east coast, we're still showing signs of winter. And mark my words, I'm none too happy about it. However, it does give me the chance to pull out at least one more wintry comfort food at Lightbulb Cuisine. And today, it's shepherd's pie! Scrumptious!

As part of my must-have items, I mentioned tossing leftover meats into the freezer for later use. This recipe is perfect for leftover ground beef. Additionally, you can get rid of those leftover mashed potatoes and little bowls of assorted veggies. So grab your leftovers, and let's start cooking!

For shepherd's pie, you will need:

• 2 Tbsp. ground beef
• 2 Tsp. cream soup (I prefer cream of celery or onion)
• Sauteed onion or onion powder
• Leftover veggies (I like corn and string beans)
• 2 Tbsp. mashed potatoes
• Grated cheddar cheese

Preheat oven for 15 minutes. Grease pan. In a bowl, mix beef and soup. Spread in pan. Layer on veggies, onion or powder, potatoes and grated cheese. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Cheese should be nicely melted and the potatoes should be browned around the edges. Serve hot and enjoy!
This is a favorite cold weather meal at Chez Brochette. The house gets warm from the oven use and everything smells divine. You can lower calories and fat by using ground turkey, low-fat soup, and low-fat cheddar. It's up to you!

That's Easy Baking!

Love, Cookie B.

HAPPY PI DAY!

It's is a very special day in sophisticated mathematic circles. Or should I say...
circumferences? Hahahaha. Math humor!

Today is Pi Day. The date 3.14 is celebrated among cerebral academics 'round the world. And what better way to acknowledge Pi than with some pie? Here at Lightbulb Cuisine, we wouldn't have it any other way!

I realize this is short notice, as Pi Day isn't generally top-of-mind awareness, so we're going to do a quickie pie with pre-made ingredients. You might have some of these items on hand, so all the better! The Lightbulb Cuisine test kitchen had a can of blueberry pie filling, so that's what we prepared for Pi Day. I think you'll also really enjoy the splendid presentation when we're through.

For blueberry pie, you will need:

• 1/3 cup Betty Crocker pie crust mix
• 4 tsp. water
• 2 tbsp. blueberry pie filling
  

Preheat oven for 15 minutes. Prepare pie crust with mix and water, stirring with a fork until you get a nice round dough ball. Divide the dough in half. Roll out two crusts to fit the pan. Lay one crust into pan, and press to fit. Spoon in the pie filling. Lay other crust on top, and pinch the edges. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Move to cooling chamber until it's cool enough to handle the pan.

Serve with ice cream, whipped cream, or just as-is for you pie purists.

That's Easy Baking!

Love, Cookie B.