I meant to make shepherd's pie

but it turned out like a pie for this type of shepherd.

I usually make shepherd's pie with 2 cans of kidney beans, but I was out--all I had was a single can of canellini beans. So, I cooked up some quinoa to flesh out the filling.

Both my dudes loved it. The big one doesn't like my veg shepherd's pie, but he had 2nds of this.

I had a sweet potato that i cooked on the grill the night before and that really added a nice, summery touch to this dish.

1 onion, diced

a few cloves garlic

chopped carrot

1 can canellini beans

1 cup (or so) cooked quinoa

corn

sweet potatoes mashed with some butter

Preheat to 375

saute the onion for 5-6 minutes on medium. toss in the garlic and the carrot. Saute this all till the carrot is getting a little soft.

Add the quinoa and the beans. Saute for 10 minutes, giving a periodic stir (add water if necessary to keep from sticking.)

Put sautee into a pyrex, dump the corn on top then top with sweet potatoes--making peeks with the fork so you get yummy browned bits when you bake it.

Put into the oven until the top is getting a bit golden. Or, put into fridge till you are ready to bake it.

Poppy Seed Dressing

This one is vegan but does contain sugar. I tried agave nectar but it seemed too runny. Oh well, even with the sugar it's still delish.

1/3 c. white sugar
1/2 c. white wine vinegar
1 t. salt
1 t. ground dry mustard
1 t. grated onion
1 c. vegetable oil
1 T. poppy seeds

In a blender or food processor, combine sugar, vinegar, salt, mustard and onion and process for 20 seconds. With blender on high or food processor, gradually add oil in a slow, steady stream and process for 30 seconds more. Stir in poppy seeds.

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

I've been trying to make my own salad dressings lately. I served this one when Richard & Kari were last in town. This one is for you Richard!

2 scallions, trimmed
1 clove garlic
1 c. mayonnaise (I used light)
2/3 c. buttermilk
2 t. white wine vinegar
kosher salt & fresh cracked pepper
2 T. parsley, chopped

Coarsely chop scallions and add to the bowl of a food processor with the garlic; pulse until garlic is minced. Add the mayo, buttermilk, vinegar, salt & pepper, to taste, and pulse until well combined and smooth. Add parsley and pulse until blended (be careful not to mix too much or the dressing will turn very green). Enjoy!

***If this is too thick to your liking, add a touch of milk to thin before adding the parsley.