My Mum was born and raised in the Upper Hunter Valley in country NSW. We would often make the train trip up to visit my Grandma and I always enjoyed her hearty country cooking. My flair for simple but delicious home cooking stems from watching her in the kitchen. When I was old enough I would hop on the coach in my school holidays to visit my Grandma. Then when I had my own car I would drive up regularly to escape the rat race. I always helped her with dinner and without even knowing it, picked up invaluable skills that have shaped the cook I am today.

This is a quick and easy winter favourite that has everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients:
500g mince beef
1 large celery stick, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1-2 OXO beef stock cubes, to taste
1 tbs tomato paste
1 tbs worcestershire sauce
2 tbs soya sauce
1 tps corn flour
1 tbs oil
1/4 cup boiling water
Potato top:
3 large potatoes
Pinch salt
4 tbs full cream milk
1 tbs butter
1/2 cup grated tasty cheese
Cracked black pepper & nutmeg to taste

Method:
Heat oil in a saucepan over medium to high heat. Add to the pan the carrot, celery and onion, cooking for a few minutes until slightly softened. Add the mince and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato paste. Dissolve stock cube in boiling water and add to the pan. Add the soy and worcestershire, sprinkle over corn flour, stir to thicken the mix and give the mince a brilliant gloss. Tip the mix into an oven-proof Pyrex dish and set aside.

Preheat fan forced oven to 180 degrees C. Peel and quarter potatoes and pop them in a saucepan topped with cold tap water until potatoes are just covered. Throw in a pinch of salt. Over high heat bring to a boil then turn down to medium heat, simmering until the potatoes are cooked. Drain the water, add milk, butter and mash potatoes. A handy last step tip is to whip mash with a fork for a lovely and smooth mash.

Spoon mash over the mince and create some “peaks” with a fork. Top with grated cheese and sprinkle with pepper and nutmeg.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the potatoey cheesy peaks have slightly browned. Serve with vegetables of your choice and a good tomato sauce.

Serves 3 hungry people.