The Cook Blog: Cottage Pie

Well Hello again!
I have decided to start my very own Cook Blog (Blog not Book! hehe). So twice a week I shall cook something and put it up - after all food is a basic human right and one should know how to cook!
This week I decided to Bake a Cottage Pie, its pretty standard and very delicious. If anyone wants me to cook something I will very glad to do so just comment.

Recipe: (Serves approx 4 people)
2oz (55g)butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely diced
1 large carrot, finely diced
1lb (450g)lean minced beef
1 tablespoon plain flour
8fl oz (240) hot beef stock
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon tomato puree
salt and pepper
2lb (900) floury potatoes, peeled
3-4 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard

First step:Cut up the Carrot, Celery and Onion. Then melt the butter in a frying pan over moderate heat. Add the onion, celery and carrot. Stir occasionally. When The onion is soft.

Second Step: Add the minced beef and fry. Stir until thr beef is brown and crumbly.

Third Step: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the surface and stir evenly into the meat and veg.

Fourth Step: Gradually add the stock. Stir well. Add the tomato and puree. Add salt and pepper if needed.
Handy Hint: The Stock comes in a powdery form add hot water to it to prepare. Use measuring cup.

Fifth Step: Change fire to a simmer. Cover with a lid. Stir occassionally for approx 30 minutes

Sixith Step: Meanwhile, Cook the potatoes in boiling salt water until they are soft. Drain excess water.

Seventh Step: Put the potatoes in a bowl and mash them . Add butter and milk to make a soft fluffy texture. Add salt as required. Handy Hint: keep tasting mash - add as much butter and milk to your own personal taste

Eighth Step: Preheat oven at 400F/200C/gAS MARK 6

Ninth Step: Stir the mustard into the beef mixture. Take off the fire and put the mixture into a baking dish. Spread potatoe mix onto the beef mix.Cover entire dish especially the sides . Mark with forks if you want  Bake for approx 20-25 minutes. Serve hot!