All over again…with my food processor. It’s been such a happy weekend between the two of us I’m almost giddy. It’s not that were in a bad way before; I think I just lost sight of what was good about it. Dare I say, I thought I had no time for it? I didn’t need it? I’m ashamed at how I acted and why it took me so long to discover the pure, honest-to-goodness ease it can bring to my life.

Tonight, with the processors help I attempted MY version of the Veggie Shepherds Pie I literally swooned over at Portland Craft. I braised the lentils for about 60 minutes today and ended up with a super flavorful, richly spiced base for my “pie”. I sautéed shallots, carrots, celery and garlic (all of course finely chopped in my love interest, the processor) and added green lentils along with some veggie broth. I personally love McCormicks bouillon cubes because they’re vegetarian of course! I used the “chicken” but next time, will do the “beef” cubes for a darker broth. Added some sage, S & P, rosemary, oregano, dash of chili pepper…and let them slow cook. Nice and easy. Nothing quick about it.

I used a full head of cauliflower for my “mash” because I am planning on freezing some of this glorious stuff for lunches and dinners later! I cooked up the florets and stems in veg broth water, added some bay leaves and more rosemary. While the cauliflower was cooking I roasted a head of garlic in the oven and grated a bit ‘o white cheddar. Sharp of course.

Again, it was my food processors time to shine. I filled it up with a wee dollop of butter, the cooked cauliflower, roasted garlic and a bit of S & P and let ‘er whip. Here is where I made a small error: I added a bit too much of the cooking liquid to the processor. In my head I was thinking of mashed potatoes and how to make them creamy, forgetting I was working in new territory here. I added the cheese at last-minute and gave a couple more pulses. Voila. Ambrosia. I was eating the stuff before it even made it on top of my lentils!

Once the lentils had a nice thick layer of mash, into a 350 degree oven it went. 40 minutes later I topped with some roasted broccoli and onion bits and let it brown for about 10 more minutes.

This is good. Really, really, soul satisfying, comfort-food, like a hug GOOD. I need that about now.  (PICS TO COME)