Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pinwheels

 Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pinwheels

1 sheet Puff Pastry
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 
6 slices chopped cooked bacon 
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

Egg Wash:
1 egg
1 tablespoon water

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In large bowl, beat all ingredients except pastry with electric mixer on medium speed until well mixed.

Unfold puff pastry and smooth out. spread the filling evenly over the pastry. Roll in jelly roll form. Refrigerate until firm.

Slice and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Brush with the egg wash. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown and the pastry is cooked through. 

The Ultimate Shepherd's Pie

2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup chopped yellow onion ½ cup chopped carrots 1 lb lean ground beef 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 2 teaspoons garlic minced 2 tablespoons all purpose flour 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2/3 cup beef broth 1/2 cup peas 1/2 cup corn

Prepared Mashed Potatoes (I use Idaho dehydrated flakes as a shortcut.) 

2 cups shredded Colby Jack Cheese(or your favorite)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Heat oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the ground beef (or ground lamb) to the skillet and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Add salt and pepper. Stir well. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until the meat is browned, stirring occasionally. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of oil/ pan drippings.

Add the Worcestershire sauce and garlic. Stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute. Add the flour and tomato paste. Stir until well incorporated. Add the broth, peas and corn. Bring the liquid to a boil then reduce to simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture is too dry, add a little beef broth to your desired thickness. Set the meat mixture aside. 

Pour the meat mixture into a 9x9 (or 7x11) inch baking dish. Top meat mixture with mashed potatoes. Add cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes.