So we went on a big extended family vacation last week, and Eric and I managed to get away for a few minutes while grandma watched the kids. We went to the pool, sat on the edge and sunbathed for a while before jumping in. We swam some laps, enjoying our freedom, when all of the sudden Eric gives me this panicked look, and then starts climbing out of the pool. “What is it??”
“My phone is in my pocket.” Dun dun DUNNNN Why do they put pockets in swim trunks, why??? And even though I shouldn’t have, I had to laugh. Sorry Eric. It’s just too funny!!
We were on a cruise, so there was no way to get it fixed or do anything besides order dry rice from room service. (Turns out that even 4 days packed in rice doesn’t solve an iPhone 6 being underwater for 10 minutes…what gives, Apple?? ;)
And so we’re going a week strong now with only one phone between us. I probably have to go through the thought process 30 times a day, “I should text Eric about…Oh wait.” Seriously, how did people live before text messages. Sometimes I think about my little great-grandchildren gathering around me as an ancient, “So tell me granny, what was it like back then? Before phones? Before the INTERNET??”
“Well, we had to talk to each other. It was horrible.”
We are home now but I am still on cloud nine. I’m having such a time getting back into the swing of things. Not only because no one is offering me free ice cream every day (all the food on a cruise is free, right??) but because we all got sick right at the end. Not just a cold either, a doozie of a flu with chills and fever and the works. Our kids probably think it’s summer vacation by now with all the school we’re missing!
How to make Skillet Shepherd’s Pie
Who is ready for St. Patrick’s Day this year! I usually make this Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe with Crispy Cheddar Topping for dinner. It’s one of the top recipes on my site, and with good reason! It’s so beefy and cheesy and mashed potato-y. I used 5 pounds of potatoes for the topping because excess is not a word in my vocabulary. But instead of ridiculous amounts of mashed potatoes, I decided to top skillet shepherd’s pie with the flakiest of flaky crusts and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. It’s kind of a mashup between a chicken pot pie and a Shepherd’s Pie. It’s the beefy filling from a regular skillet Shepherd’s Pie, with onions, carrots, and peas, topped with a flaky homemade crust. I’m telling you, it’s so delicious! I think a flaky crust is probably the only thing that could compete with mashed potatoes in this situation.
I incorporated potatoes by adding a cup of frozen cubed hash browns before baking. Didn’t even thaw them. It worked perfectly. You could probably try using a large fresh potato, peeled and cubed small, but I would definitely par boil it or microwave it for a bit so that it’s partially cooked. (Frozen hash browns have been partially cooked before being frozen.)
(You can use sliced cheddar here instead of shredded, I think I prefer it!) This skillet shepherd’s pie comes together really quick, especially if you are experienced at making pie crust. I infinitely prefer homemade pie crusts and don’t trust anyone who says they can’t tell the difference between homemade and store bought. (Also, my homemade crusts are bigger than the tiny store bought ones.)
BUT, if you are in a pinch for time, seriously no judgment here. Use a Pillsbury pie crust. I’m all about the get dinner done mentality. (Literally, it’s 5:25pm right now and I still have no idea what I’m making tonight. There is still skillet Shepherd’s pie in the fridge…kids do you want leftovers??)
Update: yes. Yes they did.
More comfort food that you are going to love!
Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe with Crispy Cheddar Topping « the original! It’s so good guys. Feeds an army. One Skillet Chicken Pot Pie « Another easy skillet dinner! Classic Beef Stroganoff « With my twist One Skillet Beef Meatballs with Rice and Peas « This is quick and easy! Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet from BellyFull « I’ve been meaning to try this forever! Cheeseburger Skillet Dinner from Lemons for Lulu One Pot Sloppy Joe Noodle Skillet from A Spicy Perspective
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