Hungry for something different, but don't know what? Try this variation of the traditional shepherd's pie using sweet potatoes and sausage instead of mashed potatoes and beef.
2 1/2 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled (cut into 2-inch chunks)
1 oz. unsalted butter
2 T. maple syrup
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 T. olive oil
2 onions, chopped
1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
8 Chicken and Apple Sausage links (cut into 1/2-inch slices)
1 c. frozen petit peas
1 c. frozen corn kernels
2/3 c. heavy cream
1 1/2 t. curry powder
hot sauce, to taste
Boil the sweet potatoes in a large saucepan of salted water. Drain, return to the pan; stir over medium heat until excess moisture evaporates, about 5 minutes. Add the butter and syrup; mash until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large saute pan, heat the oil. Add the onions and garlic; saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in the remaining ingredients.
Transfer sausage mixture to a buttered deep pie dish. Spoon mashed sweet potatoes over the sausage mixture, using a spoon to smooth the top.
Bake until heated through and potatoes begin to brown around edges, about 45 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.