Sick Days and Shepherd's Pie

I had big plans this week.  Mr. G is out of town for business and I had high hopes for the garden and home.  Isn’t that always the way….you plan something out and life throws you a curve ball.  No big deal..I just adjust my stance.

Big C came home with a high temperature after school on Monday and I knew that something was brewing in his little body.  I knew that plans must be tabled for the moment and that my guy needed his mama.  Some people think I am crazy, but when my boys are sick they get my absolute attention.  My mom did it for me and I will do the same for my boys.  Their comfort is my number one priority. 

Things got worse as the night progressed and I was faced with the worst case of croup I have ever seen.  I am not a newbie when it comes to croup.  I have been down this road WAY to many times!  Between steam treatments, cold air treatments, vapor rub…you name it we did it.  I usually can get my boys over the hump, but this croup was a force to be reckoned with.  A force that got all of us into the Emergency Room for a little hospital time at 2 AM.  Fun times…husband on business trip….2 boys (one barely breathing), screaming down the highway blasting “Puff The Magic Dragon” on the radio.  Big C loves that song and I was trying to keep his mind off of the croup.  The story ends positively and Big C  is on the mends, but boy was that an interesting night!

So my plans of getting all of my dirt into my raised beds have been put on hold…..

My annuals that were supposed to be in pots by now just stare at me…

And I am inside with my boys..taking care of them to the best of my abilities. 

Whenever I was sick, my mom used to make me Poached Egg on Toast.  I still, to this day, will have her make it for me whenever she visits.  Big C’s sick breakfast of choice is Fried Eggs.  Ever since I stopped buying grocery store organic eggs and started buying from the local farm this boy can’t get enough.  You would think I was raising a body builder by the amount of eggs he has been eating lately.  So this is what we have been eating for the past two days…eggs, eggs, eggs.

Big C loves how yellow the yolks are and wanted me to share this picture with you…food styling courtesy of him.

This is why I love this child…still putting on a funny face even when he is so sick.

As all moms know, when your children are sick your lap is always full or you are holding one while trying to pick up dishes.  I was able to sneak to my front porch while the boys were napping to steal a quiet “me” moment.  I probably should have been shoveling dirt, but I am feeling under the weather as well.  I was able to have my afternoon Iced Coffee and skim some of my new cookbooks.  The dirt pile will be there tomorrow.


After a nice afternoon of movies, movies and more movies I finally started to plead my case against eggs for dinner.  I love eggs but it was getting to be a little much.  He was easily persuaded when I told him I would make Shepherds Pie.  Here is my recipe…it is not exact…I make it up as I go.

Sick Day Shepherds Pie

2 lbs. organic beef
1 small onion,chopped
1 tablespoon Worchestershire sauce or more if you want
4 cups homemade mashed potatoes ( I use yukon golds, salt, pepper, whole milk, butter, and 1 tablespoon garlic powder)
2 cups of organic corn
salt and pepper to taste
ketchup

Directions:
-preheat oven to 350 degrees
-saute onion, and beef until beef is browned ( I use my cast iron skillet but a frying pan is fine)
-add in Worchestershire sauce while the meat is browning
-drain off excess fat and stir in salt and pepper to taste
-if you are using a frying pan transfer meat to a oven safe casserole dish….if you are using cast iron you are set!
-preheat oven to 350
-layer the corn on top of the beef and spread evenly
-layer the potatoes on top of the corn, spread evenly and top with a couple pats of butter
-cook in 350 degree oven for approximately 30-40 minutes…you want it to heat through and the potatoes to start to brown.
-Serve in a bowl and drizzle on some ketchup for an extra kick!

This dish is so simple and is great for leftovers.  Big C has already told me that he was going to have some for breakfast with a side of fried eggs.  I think he is feeling better!

What is your favorite comfort food when you are sick?