Gluten-free Shepherd's Pie and Berry Smoothie

Once again, this is from last week when I was really on a roll with the whole cooking thing.  I bought cauliflower because I was determined to mash them and see how they compared with potatoes.  After brainstorming, I figured that shepherd's pie would be simple and easy to add veggies to.  It was delicious, and Brad enjoyed it, even with the veggies mixed in.

I also made an anti-oxidant smoothie based on the ones that my aunt Joani used to make when she was fighting breast cancer.  I didn't use a recipe, and it ended up separating in the fridge.  I probably did something wrong there, but I like it.  Brad, sadly, didn't.  And that was after I strained all the berry seeds out of it for him!  (Well, he didn't know I was making it for him, and I didn't ask if he liked smoothies. My mistake.)

I'm not a food stylist, so this was the best shot I could get.
 Not really a pretty food.  Tasty, though.

Gluten-Free (Healthier) Shepherd's Pie

Potatoes (I used leftover red potatoes, about 6-8 med.)

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets (organic)
3 carrots, cut into small pieces (organic is best)
1 lb ground beef (all natural, organic if you can)
1/2 stick butter
1 cup milk (I used water)
Fresh veggies and herbs to taste, but I used:
Tomatoes
Broccoli
Onions
Red Pepper
Basil
Rosemary
Garlic 


Add carrots and potatoes to large pot of boiling water.  Boil for 15 minutes or until tender. 
In a lidded saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 1/2 stick of butter.  Add cauliflower, stir and cover.  Let braise until very tender.  Stir often.
Brown beef on the stove top.  Saute all other fresh vegetables with garlic and herbs until softened.  Puree with food processor.  Pour browned beef into a greased casserole dish and mix with pureed veggies.  Top with cooked carrots. 
Place cauliflower, butter, and potatoes into pot and mash until smooth.  Top carrots and beef with mashed potatoes.  Broil in oven until potatoes are browned.


I used this video as a reference for the mashed potatoes and cauliflower.  And the overall recipe is adapted from a Rachael Ray recipe.  And you really couldn't taste the cauliflower.

Anti-oxidant Berry Smoothie

blueberries
raspberries
blackberries
Knudsen's anti-oxidant juice
apple-sauce
silken tofu
soy milk
fruit yogurt
*Use however much of each tastes good to you, but more liquids than solids.
Blend berries, strain.  Blend remaining ingredients.  Chill and stir before serving.