If there’s on theme that has kept cropping up in the last week it’s cozy.
I have an appreciation for all the seasons. Sometimes I think that we should have 1 month of each and that would solve all my problems.
The first month of every season is the best. In summer you start to wear pretty floral dresses without tights, and the heat is warm and inviting. By the time February comes round, the 40 degree days seem longer and the nights aren’t balmy they’re just exhaustingly hot.
We’re just beginning winter and so the jackets and hoodies are out of the cupboard. And everything is cozy. In two months time my bones will be cold and no amount of wooly socks, hot casseroles or squishy cowls will warm me up.
Well maybe this casserole might.
I really was impressed with myself.
the ingredients
500gm diced lamb
1/4 cup flour
1 diced onion
400gm tin chopped tomatoes
1 cup beef stock
1 cup beer
1 cup diced mushrooms
1 tbl spoon gravy powder
Dash worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper
the recipe
Fry the onions and garlic in olive oil. Once cooked put in casserole dish. (note: if your casserole dish doesn’t fit in the oven with other trays in, take them out now)
Brown the lamb in the same pot. Add flour and cook the flour a bit.
Once that’s brown, add the beer and beef stock. Bring to the boil.
Chop the mushrooms and put in the casserole dish.
Add the tin of tomatoes, worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Add the boiling lamb mixture and stir.
Add some herbs if you like (I added dried oregano and fresh rosemary)
Put in a 220 degree oven with the lid on.
Cook for 1 hour 30. While this is cooking make the dumplings.
Put the dumplings in the casserole at 1hr30 and cook for another 30 minutes with the lid off.
the dumplings
1 cup self raising flour
60gms cubed butter
1/2 cup grated cheese (Mmm Colby)
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup milk
Rub the butter and flour together to make breadcrumbs. Then add the cheese and oats. Slowly add the milk until the mixture just combines.
Roll into even balls and place on top of casserole.
Wait for casserole to heat up the entire house and make it smell delicious.
Serve with potato bake and fresh green beans.
Await praise from boyfriend who helps himself to seconds.
Try and not lick the plate in front of said boyfriend.
Ahh the beginning of winter when the casseroles are cozy and the Nanna blankets are just warm enough.
(my 10 stitch blanket is coming along nicely btw)
polka-dots & sparkles 
That looks REALLY tasty. Maybe it’s just because it’s almost lunch time, but I want to eat that NOW!