Autumn Shepherd's Pie, a Delightful Twist on the Original

We've all heard of the traditional Shepherd's pie, but with Fall upon us I decided to create a different variation of this well known favorite. The sweet potatoes have a hint of extra sweetness and the poutrly seasoning complements the ground turkey. This has a refreshing mix of flavors and is sure to sate your appetites.
So, when the leaves start to cascade down awing us with the vivid orange and brown colors of Autumn, sit down to a nice hearty dinner of Autumn Shepherd's pie.

Autumn Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients:

1 lb ground turkey
1/2 cup frozen corn
1/2 cup frozen green beans
2 tbsp minced frozen green, red and yellow pepper mix
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp thyme
4 medium sweet potaotes peeled and cut into cubes
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsp butter or margerine

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Step 1. Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large microwave safe bowl and add enough water to cover them by at least 1 inch. Microwave on high for 20 mins or till tender. Drain sweet potatoes completely. Then mash them and add the butter or margerine, brown sugar and cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2. In a medium bowl mix the cream of chicken soup with the milk, poultry seasoning, pepper and thyme. Set aside.

Step 3. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet until no longer pink. Add the corn, green beans and peppers and heat through. Then add the chicken soup mixture and heat that through.

Step 4. In a 9 x 9 baking pan (I use a glass Pyrex one) place the turkey mixture first and smooth it down till it is even. Next scoop the sweet potato mixture on top of the turkey mixture and smooth it over the top making sure to cover the turkey mixture completely.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes. Allow to rest about 10 minutes before serving.

For a beverage a nice Cran-Apple spritzer with a thin slice of apple as a garnish goes well. You can complement this meal with a dessert of pumpkin cheesecake muffuns (recipe coming soon!)

Enjoy!