Rediscovering Mama's Comfort Foods: Shepherd’s Pie and Biscuits and Gravy

It's not uncommon to reminisce about our favorite dishes from childhood, particularly those prepared by our mothers. For me, those memories are not just about the taste but also about the comfort they brought. My mother, who hailed from the suburbs of Long Island, New York, where Italian cooking was the norm, brought a special twist to her meals, especially when it came to Italian dishes. So, let's explore two of her most cherished creations: Shepherd’s Pie and Biscuits and Gravy.

Shepherd’s Pie: A Comforting Home-Cooked Dish

Shepherd’s Pie is not just a dish; it’s a warm embrace from my childhood. Unlike the commercialized versions you find in Oklahoma, my mother’s version was a pure delight. It was made with minced beef (a lesser-known fact as it was primarily labeled as lamb for the sake of authenticity), and the tops were always covered with mashed potatoes, creating a pièce de résistance.

I have a Shepherd’s Pie currently steaming in the oven, and I impatiently wait for the top of the mashed potatoes to get crispy and golden brown. Despite my Crohn’s disease, Shepherd’s Pie has never been a culprit. Many of the dishes I love tend to upset my digestive system, but my mother's creation remains a safe and comforting option for me.

Ingredients:

Minced beef Mashed potatoes Stove-dried onions Garlic Minced tomatoes Thyme Bay leaves Vegetable or beef broth Salt and pepper Flour for thickening (optional)

Process of Making:

Heat a pan and sauté the onions, garlic, and thyme until the onions soften. Gradually add the minced beef and cook until it’s browned. Add the bay leaves, thyme, and broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the beef with flour or cornstarch for thickening if desired. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the mixture has thickened. Top the beef mixture with mashed potatoes and bake in the oven until the top is golden and bubbly.

Shepherd’s Pie’s hearty texture and rich flavors are a perfect comfort food for chilly days and weeknights when you just want something substantial.

Biscuits and Gravy: A Nostalgic Family Meal

To my surprise, my mother wasn’t a master when it came to cooking—it’s fair to say she was “terrible” at it. However, when it came to Biscuits and Gravy, she truly excelled. We called it Shepherd’s Pie, but I’ll stick to the original name. The biscuits were store-bought, but the gravy? Oh, that was homemade! It was a blend of milk, flour, and spices, and it had a touch of sweetness and savory flavors that made every bite delightful.

Today, Biscuits and Gravy can be found in many households, but the authentic homemade version always reigns supreme. I still crave this humble yet comforting dish, even knowing that I can make a much better version now.

Ingredients:

Pillsbury biscuits or Bisquick mix Milk Flour Garlic powder Chili powder Salt and pepper

Process of Making:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Follow the package instructions for preparing the biscuits, usually mixing the ingredients in a bowl and then making biscuits according to the recipe. Set the biscuits aside to rest for a few minutes and then place them in a greased baking dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, flour, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the milk mixture to the biscuit dough, mix well, and spread the batter over the biscuits. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and the gravy is thick and bubbly.

Each bite of Biscuits and Gravy brings back fond memories of Sundays at my grandmother's house, where the aroma would fill the kitchen and the taste would linger on my palate. This dish is simple yet profoundly comforting, and I still look forward to it today.

Why These Dishes Stand Out

Both Shepherd’s Pie and Biscuits and Gravy are made with love and care, making them stand out from the commercial options. My mother’s Shepherd’s Pie was always homemade, with the right balance of beef and potatoes, while the Biscuits and Gravy had that perfect blend of sweetness and spiciness that just couldn’t be replicated. These dishes are not just meals; they are memories and a connection to my roots.

So, if you’re looking for a heartfelt comfort food experience, give Shepherd’s Pie and Biscuits and Gravy a try. Who knows? You might just find yourself craving these dishes after cooking them yourself. And if you want to explore more authentic Italian dishes from NYC, my mother’s cooking style was exquisite.

Conclusion

Every bite of Shepherd’s Pie and Biscuits and Gravy brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia. These dishes are more than just food; they’re a part of my identity and the love that brought them to life. If you haven’t tried these dishes, do yourself a favor and give them a go. You won’t be disappointed.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you found this article both informative and enjoyable. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out.