portuguese shepherds pie

As an Irish girl, I love a shepherds pie. It's a complete meal, it's easy, comforting and everyone loves it. Since I married a Portuguese man, however, I came up with a way to take the basic format of a shepherds pie (starch bottom, juicy meat and veggie top all baked into a yummy square of awesomeness) and give it that pork chop feel. This being my debut recipe, I decided to use one that shows how diverse, creative and personal cooking is. Recipes are general guides, not rigid demands carved in stone. Make it your own or try it my way. It's all up to you, it's YOUR kitchen. I generally won't give many measurements in my ingredient lists, unless its for baked treats that really require it, since I have no damn idea how many people you're cooking for or how you dig your food.

Ingredients:
-chorizo links
-fresh veggies (carrots, cauliflower, celery, onions, peppers are all good ideas)
-cornbread mix (you'll probably need eggs, milk and butter for mix, or homemade is cool too)
-your spice rack

The Rundown:
-cut your veggies into bite size pieces, mix together and set aside

-cut chorizo links lengthwise, then into 1/4" thick half-moons

-place chorizo into skillet, start browning

-after a few minutes, add veggies and spices as you see fit, stirring well and often over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes. drain and dispose of grease, set veggies/ chorizo aside.

-prepare cornbread batter according to directions and pour into greased baking pan

-spread veggies/chorizo mix over batter, allowing some to sink into the cornbread.

-bake according to directions on cornbread package

-let set 5-10 min, cut into squares, serve and enjoy :)

Feel free to contact me or leave comments with any questions, additions, suggestions... whatever.