Tonight I’m making shepherd’s pie for dinner – one of my favourite comfort foods of all time. It reminds me of my childhood. It was a favourite of our family and I don’t ever remember there being leftovers!

My mom had a big oval Corningware casserole dish, it was yellowish with some pretty little flowers on it and a glass lid. It was a sturdy casserole dish that many of our favourite homemade meals were made in.

My entire life has favourite memories that are food related. Is it any wonder I’ve struggled with my weight all my life? Shepherd’s pie; macaroni and beef and tomatoes with little pieces of toast on top – we always fought over who would get that last piece of toast (Dad usually won that fight haha); although not a favourite of mine, I do remember meatloaf being cooked in it; many casseroles that my mom made up with leftovers. We may not have had a lot of money growing up, but we always had good, hearty meals to eat.

I can remember the first house we lived in – it was a small bungalow with a nice big kitchen and a big dining room. My mom has always been a good cook and baker so the house always smelt so good. Sitting around our dining room table with lots of delicious food to eat. Homemade bread or rolls. I have many fond memories of my childhood, all invoked today from simply deciding to make a shepherd’s pie for dinner!