This recipe (seen here lacking the traditional potato topping), is for Bison and Red Wine Shepherd’s Pie from Bon Appetit. Bison, as I discovered, is crazy expensive when you don’t purchase it from the local rancher at the farmer’s market. So, I substituted a chuck roast, and I was pretty happy with the result. I am sure it lacked a certain gaminess, but all in all, this was a great recipe, and one that froze well, too. The parsnips and turnips are perfect additions.
I made this once with the potato topping, then froze a couple of batches without. I thought it would work as a stew, or alternatively, I could spoon it over smashed potatoes for those who don’t prefer to reserve their starch intake for dessert…
On a related note, I have been struggling with Ava over dinnertime lately. The kid has suddenly become so picky, she will go hungry rather than eat what’s put in front of her. I’ve involved her in meal planning and preparation, and that helps a bit, but I’m finding that she will eschew dishes she’s loved for years—and there’s no convincing her otherwise.
I think, though, that this is a marketing problem.
I cut sesame crusted tilapia into “fish sticks,” and guess what? Total hit. Meatloaf (one of Bryan’s favorites) is individually portioned and labeled “Grandma’s Meatloaf Minis.” It, too, becomes popular.
Black Pepper and Mustard Braised Short Ribs are a huge favorite, but only when referred to as “Rebecca’s Rockin’ Ribs.”
Why didn’t I think of this sooner?!
Smith Family Weblog 
Posted by Dawn on February 23, 2010 at 2:47 pm
For future buffalo recipes – I have purchased bison at the regular, big name grocery stores around town and it was reasonably priced.
Posted by Gramma Great on February 23, 2010 at 3:52 pm
Do you think she would still eat some of Gramma Great’s chicken noodle soup or do we have to come up with a new name for that too???
Posted by Rebecca on February 23, 2010 at 4:00 pm
That is always an easy sell. I once tried to pass off a chicken noodle soup recipe as being “just like Gramma Great’s.” I was not successful.
Posted by Stefanie on February 23, 2010 at 8:25 pm
I have to tell Andrew that I made him an extra special supper. And then I ask him if he thinks I am a good cook…..then he says “Mommy, this is awesome!”
Posted by Nicky on February 24, 2010 at 2:54 pm
That is hilarious, I’ll have to try re-naming food. Colin won’t eat any soups, stews, casseroles, or anything with sauce. I got him to eat macaroni and cheese by saying, “That’s not sauce, it’s just cheese.” I’m really hoping his eating habits will expand if we keep putting the food in front of him.