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*that's shepherds pie with worcestershire sauce - the perfect enhancement

i'll have to go with lasagne tho - the tomatoey tang combined with ever advantageous cheese element nicks it

really could go for some shepherds pie with worcs. sauce and assorted veg right now tho.

― stevem (blueski), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:07 (twenty-two years ago)

I've never eaten a really good lasagne. The ones I've had tend to be floppy with icky cheese. Mind you, I've never eaten it at a restaurant. It tends to be something of a uni hall of residence/staff canteen staple.

However, a good shepherd's pie...num num!

― MarkH (MarkH), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:10 (twenty-two years ago)

Does Sainsburys Quorn Shepherd's Pie count?

It used to be my favourite dish when I was a child. My mum used to make patterns on the top with a fork and call it Baked Tiger.

Lasanga just not quite the same, at all.

― kate (kate), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:11 (twenty-two years ago)

LASAGNE

every time you mad fools.

― Mark C (Mark C), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:11 (twenty-two years ago)

BAKED TIGER!!!!

― kate (kate), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:12 (twenty-two years ago)

http://yvonneandmason.galganov.net/recipes/gifs/baked.jpg

I mean, it does look quite a bit like a baked tiger, if you use your imagination, doesn't it?

― kate (kate), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:14 (twenty-two years ago)

Fish pie gives 'em both a king-sized beatdown, but if I have to take sides then clearly it is lovely, rich, autumnal shepherds pie.

― Matt (Matt), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:14 (twenty-two years ago)

Shedherds Pie by a country mile, although lasagne is more satisfying to make.

― Johnney B (Johnney B), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:14 (twenty-two years ago)

I make a Lasagne Shepherds Pie, which is a Lasagne with an additional layer of mashed pots on the top. Num num, nummity num.

― Pete (Pete), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:15 (twenty-two years ago)

Lasagne is the worst British bastardisation of Italian culture this side of the Di Marco family.

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:23 (twenty-two years ago)

Cor Pete whot a cracking idea! I had a nummy shepherds pie the other day but upon getting past three mouthfuls I realised that the happy shop had CONNED me and instead of nummy cow meat I was eating lentils!! Still they were bloody nice and for the rest of the afternoon I was in a bit of a crisis. I could tell the difference when the lentils got cold. Bluggh.

I quite fancy making a shepherds pie now, whereas I have never made a lasagne wot is not ready made. I am sure it would be easy and nummy but I can't really be that arsed. I think I will make one today. Home cooking cures all illnesses right?*

* despite the fact my homecooked TOAST doesn't seem to have worked.

― Sarah (starry), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:24 (twenty-two years ago)

Both are obviously the kings of lazy-person's ready meals, in which case shepherd's pie usually wins the day, despite being unmicrowavable. Instant lasanges generally ming.

However, when it comes to proper homemade stuff, lasagne wins by a country mile. However, last weekend I instigated a lasange-making competition between my flatmate and next-door neighbour, which produced enough lasagne to feed three households twice, so could do without seeing another one again for a while.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:29 (twenty-two years ago)

I am now craving Shepherd's pie, cheers all. Good pie though, with a really thick gravy, maybe a bit like the gravy I have left over from my rabbit in red wine yesterday, hmmm, I have an idea

― chris (chris), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:30 (twenty-two years ago)

Does anyone here have the slightest idea how to make a proper Italian lasagne? If so, then you must already know that it is head an shoulders above any filthy mince and mashed potato dish.

― Mark C (Mark C), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:32 (twenty-two years ago)

It all depends on the moment Mark, and I think I do.

― chris (chris), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:34 (twenty-two years ago)

you are just itching to post yr lasagne recipe, aren't you Mark C? Chomping at the bit.

― MarkH (MarkH), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:35 (twenty-two years ago)

My mum went through a phase where she decided that she would make "proper Italian lasange" (vegetarian, to boot) every Friday. (This was because she had a crush on an Italian guy, and a Roman Catholic priest to boot, but that's another story...) My god, it came close to turning me off Italian food for life!

― kate (kate), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:38 (twenty-two years ago)

Also If Mark C knew a proper recipe for Shepherd's pie then he'd know that it was far more than a filthy mince and potato dish ;o)

― chris (chris), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:39 (twenty-two years ago)

had a crush on an Italian guy, and a Roman Catholic priest to boot

yr mother likes a challenge then, Kate?

― MarkH (MarkH), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:40 (twenty-two years ago)

Of course you're right, Chris, but I'm just appalled that Britishers would assume that the bog-standard nonsense that masquerades as lasagne in this country is nothing like the heavenly manna I know lasagne could and should be.

Perhaps you can make me a Shepherd's Pie one day :)

― Mark C (Mark C), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:42 (twenty-two years ago)

this thread leads me to believe that the british, by and large, do not 'get' lasagne

― mark p (Mark P), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:43 (twenty-two years ago)

(ie. lasagne in a LANDSLIDE)

― mark p (Mark P), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:44 (twenty-two years ago)

Lasagne < pasta forna.

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:44 (twenty-two years ago)

bastardisation > life itself

― mark s (mark s), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:45 (twenty-two years ago)

i've never had REAL PROPER lasagne i suppose but my Aunty made a good one once and I've had it in Northern italy (it was okay but i am figuring they make it much better in the South) - still i'm happy enough with any combination of mince, cheese, tomatoey gunk and pasta (egged as you like)

also can the difference between shepherds pie and cottage pie be clarified?

― stevem (blueski), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:46 (twenty-two years ago)

Shepherds pie = lamb (do you see!!) and cottage pie = beef!

― Sarah (starry), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:47 (twenty-two years ago)

also: where shepherd lives =

http://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/history/kw/mansion.gif

― mark s (mark s), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:48 (twenty-two years ago)

x-post:
cottage pie is beef and should really be called cowboy pie.

― MarkH (MarkH), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:48 (twenty-two years ago)

Does anyone see a contradiction inherent in the phrase "proper Italian lasange" (vegetarian, to boot).

That said Saturday Kitchen did a lovely looking Pumpkin Lasagne the other day. And don't you be so hateful about my lovely mince Mark.

Both dishes are massively improved by crisp crunchy tops, so much so it is worth making them in irregular shaped dishes (hence making SP better because it is harder to get irregular shaped Lasagne sheets wot fit).

― Pete (Pete), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:48 (twenty-two years ago)

Shepherds pie = lamb (do you see!!) and cottage pie = beef!

both, however, were invented thanks to dares

― mark p (Mark P), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:49 (twenty-two years ago)

So what would Baked Tiger be? Bungalow Pie?

― kate (kate), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:49 (twenty-two years ago)

it is a well known fact that tigers dwell in condos

― stevem (blueski), Monday, 27 October 2003 12:58 (twenty-two years ago)

Shepherds Pie is nice but kind of boring, Lasagne is a more exciting dish. Then again Shepherds Pie is easier to make.

I agree that Fish Pie is nicer than either.

― Ronan (Ronan), Monday, 27 October 2003 13:15 (twenty-two years ago)

i'm having a hard time thinking of something that sounds more disgusting than 'fish pie'

― mark p (Mark P), Monday, 27 October 2003 13:17 (twenty-two years ago)

Tigers also live in lifeboats.

― Johnney B (Johnney B), Monday, 27 October 2003 13:19 (twenty-two years ago)

If we're talking ready made micro-oven stuff then shepherds pie - not contest. But my mum's lasagne is pretty damn good....I'm having trouble deciding....

― smee (smee), Monday, 27 October 2003 13:20 (twenty-two years ago)

Fish pie gives 'em both a king-sized beatdown,

whoever said that = otm.

― Pashmina (Pashmina), Monday, 27 October 2003 13:25 (twenty-two years ago)

as in 'oh, totally misguided'

― stevem (blueski), Monday, 27 October 2003 13:27 (twenty-two years ago)

stevem OTM(#1)!!

― mark p (Mark P), Monday, 27 October 2003 13:27 (twenty-two years ago)

Fish Pie is very nice Mark you mentalist, once it has a decent selection of fish. It has nothing on Fish Curry mind you.

― Ronan (Ronan), Monday, 27 October 2003 13:28 (twenty-two years ago)

stevem & mark p = mentalists yes haha! (on this evidence, that is)

― Pashmina (Pashmina), Monday, 27 October 2003 13:34 (twenty-two years ago)

i know you are but what am fish pie?

― stevem (blueski), Monday, 27 October 2003 13:36 (twenty-two years ago)

fish pie > getting kicked in the face

― mark p (Mark P), Monday, 27 October 2003 13:37 (twenty-two years ago)

when come back bring ACTUAL FOOD

― mark p (Mark P), Monday, 27 October 2003 13:37 (twenty-two years ago)

perhaps you can wash it down with a nice cold bottle of http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:wnKu1Xd1YSsC:www.maumausounds.com/Wipedout/hatorade.gif

― Pashmina (Pashmina), Monday, 27 October 2003 13:42 (twenty-two years ago)

Lasagne - no contest really.

― Ben Mott (Ben Mott), Monday, 27 October 2003 14:13 (twenty-two years ago)

How on earth can anyone have anything against fish pie? Good hearty chunks of hake, veg and a good mornay sauce plus MASH. What is wrong with you (Pasmina that was me OTM and I am again here, too)?

This weekend I am making fish pie with monkfish and king prawns. It will be hearty. I will eat it after a bracing walk.

― Matt (Matt), Monday, 27 October 2003 14:27 (twenty-two years ago)

fish pie is fine but it can't compete wit da meat

― stevem (blueski), Monday, 27 October 2003 14:29 (twenty-two years ago)

Yes, I really have something against Fish Pie. I'm allergic to fish, even the smell makes me sick!

― kate (kate), Monday, 27 October 2003 14:29 (twenty-two years ago)

don't forget the hard boiled egg. Which veg? Peas and spinach? or just peas? Sometimes mushrooms can be nice too.

― chris (chris), Monday, 27 October 2003 14:29 (twenty-two years ago)

Skipping 110 messages at this point... Click here if you want to load them all.

english is hard. it too me ages too!

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 11:25 (twenty-one years ago)

wahey! TOOK me ages

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 11:25 (twenty-one years ago)

Madchen, you speak from experience I assume?

― smee (smee), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 11:28 (twenty-one years ago)

I haven't made lasagna in ages but it takes a whole day to make.

― Ed (dali), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 12:07 (twenty-one years ago)

My god is it really a year since this thread? Sounds like I'm due to make a fish pie again.

― Matt (Matt), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 12:16 (twenty-one years ago)

Who here cooks the lasagne noodles first? I used to, but now just cook 'em in the dish. I always feel like I'm cheating...
BECAUSE. I make my own sauce. it takes three hours (mostly simmering time) but it is worth it. Ripe tomatos, beef and sausage, a little bit of this and a little bit of that and tons of cheese layered on when the sauce is ready.
Shepherds pie has bad connotations for Americans who went to public school. It can be great, but many people recoil in horror. I like to put potatos as the first layer.

― aimurchie, Tuesday, 12 October 2004 12:25 (twenty-one years ago)

mmm lasagne ramen

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 12:25 (twenty-one years ago)

Who here cooks the lasagne noodles first? I used to, but now just cook 'em in the dish.

Well, it depends what sheets you get, doesn't it? In the past, they all had to be precooked but most ones you get now don't.

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 12:28 (twenty-one years ago)

Maybe i enjoyed torturing myself by cooking the noodles, which broke apart IN the boiling water and then broke apart while being placed in the pan. Yes, indeed. I LIKED burning myself with scalding water. lasagne has not been the same since.

― aimurchie, Tuesday, 12 October 2004 12:41 (twenty-one years ago)

How can you call a sheet a noodle? It's not remotely noodley.

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 12:46 (twenty-one years ago)

mussels and smoked haddock are the combination for fish pie

― Ed (dali), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 12:47 (twenty-one years ago)

A sheet is something I put on my bed.

― aimurchie, Tuesday, 12 October 2004 12:58 (twenty-one years ago)

do you write on noodles of paper?

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 12:59 (twenty-one years ago)

The lasagne should really have enough liquid in the tomato and bechamel sauces to give the pasta sheets the moisture they need. It can be tricky working out just how much is enough, mind.

― Markelby (Mark C), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 13:02 (twenty-one years ago)

mmm lasagne ramen

-- ken c (pykachu100@

You are a sick man.

Plz stop going on about fish pie, people! It is making my tummy rumble!!

― Pashmina (Pashmina), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 13:04 (twenty-one years ago)

The Italian cafe near me used to make a lasagne al forno with spaghetti instead of pasta sheets. It was surprisingly successful.

― Markelby (Mark C), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 13:12 (twenty-one years ago)

So, is the bechamal sauce the only thing that differentiates lasagne from bolognese? (apart from the shape of the pasta obv)

― Rumpy Pumpkin (rumpypumpkin), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 13:16 (twenty-one years ago)

There is a subtle "sheet" commiseration going on here.

― aimurchie, Tuesday, 12 October 2004 13:20 (twenty-one years ago)

I think it's the baked aspect Rumpy.

― PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 13:20 (twenty-one years ago)

Mark, that spaghetti remix of lasagne is what my mom makes and calls lasagne because she's too bone-idle to get the sheets.

― suzy (suzy), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 13:21 (twenty-one years ago)

Okay Pink, what if we make spaghetti bolognese, add a dollop of bechamel sauce, some grated cheese and pop it in the oven? Or has this been done?

― Rumpy Pumpkin (rumpypumpkin), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 13:32 (twenty-one years ago)

I have consulted the bible - Joy of Cooking - and am delighted to report that the recipe states: "These 2-inch wide, rather thick NOODLES often have a wavy ridge along one or both edges."

― aimurchie, Tuesday, 12 October 2004 13:34 (twenty-one years ago)

Well I guess that's what they (mark & suzy) are talking about above.

― PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 13:34 (twenty-one years ago)

i'm sure i've had baked spaghetti bolognaise before.

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 13:40 (twenty-one years ago)

Ah. As Billy Connelly says of Mexican food, "It's all the same, the only difference is the way it's wrapped"

― Rumpy Pumpkin (rumpypumpkin), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 13:45 (twenty-one years ago)

My latest issue of Cook's has a recipe for quicker lasagne using no-boil noodles (among other shortcuts)--designed to be good yet save the day spent slaving in the kitchen. I have yet to try it though.

― sgs (sgs), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 13:55 (twenty-one years ago)

This noodle craziness is make my brain bend. Do you noodle people call Penne noodles? Fusilli? All pasta ever?

― RickyT (RickyT), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 14:00 (twenty-one years ago)

I know what you mean. Noodles?!!! ffs!

― PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 14:02 (twenty-one years ago)

I refer to cars as cars - and then differentiate - a VW is a car. So is a Saab. Noodles are noodles - but we can differentiate. Penne is a noodle. So is fusilli.
Lasagne noodles are not sheets. Penne is not a pillowcase, fettucine is not a bedspread, and fusilli is not a blanket!

― aimurchie, Tuesday, 12 October 2004 14:08 (twenty-one years ago)

wtf? it's all pasta!!!!!!

― PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 14:11 (twenty-one years ago)

noodle (FOOD)

noun {C usually plural}

a food in the form of long thin strips made from flour or rice, water and often egg, which you cook in boiling liquid:
- egg/rice noodles

- instant/crispy noodles

- chicken noodle soup

again, what do you write on?

― tarquin Lovepuppy, Tuesday, 12 October 2004 14:11 (twenty-one years ago)

lasagne sheets are made of wheat, ramen noodles are made of wheat, a VW polo has wheels, a HGV has wheels, a HGV is not a car. it's a truck. a chicken chow mein is not a chicken lasagne, a pad thai is not a thai bolognaise, it's simple.

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 14:13 (twenty-one years ago)

Thank you ken!

― PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 14:20 (twenty-one years ago)

Pasta and noodles are clearly different things, what is this mentalism?

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 14:26 (twenty-one years ago)

Matt DC arrives with the perfect end to this noodle nonsense!

― PinXorchiXoR (Pinkpanther), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 14:28 (twenty-one years ago)

I shall continue reading from the bible:
NOODLES, also see pastas
baskets
bean thread or dried cellophane
boiled
casserole, tuna, mushroom soup
cooking
cutting
dish, leftover
dough,to make
dough, white or green fettucine
fried
Good Friday
ham
lasagne
loaf and cheese, quantity
mostaciolli
rings
Romanian and pork casserole
with Welsh rarebit

I think I'm going to read this as spoken word at the next open mic.

― aimurchie, Tuesday, 12 October 2004 14:29 (twenty-one years ago)

Considering their ethnic origins, and a large part of their linguistic heritage, what is it about the word "pasta" that Americans find so hard?

― Markelby (Mark C), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 14:29 (twenty-one years ago)

I fear this might be one of those syrup on bacon things.

― RickyT (RickyT), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 14:29 (twenty-one years ago)

NOODLES WITH WELSH RAREBIT!!!!????

This bible of yrs is quite clearly a fake bible. Verily, it may even be the work of Satan.

― RickyT (RickyT), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 14:31 (twenty-one years ago)

Bbbbut maple syrup and bacon is lovely.

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 14:32 (twenty-one years ago)

This thread has gone through insanity and out the other side.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 14:35 (twenty-one years ago)

NOODLES WITH WELSH RAREBIT!!!!????
This bible of yrs is quite clearly a fake bible. Verily, it may even be the work of Satan.

I am only reading the Word of Joy of Cooking. I can walk through the valley of pasta and climb towards a greater noodle - but like you, I am only a traveller.

― aimurchie, Tuesday, 12 October 2004 14:36 (twenty-one years ago)

The pasta vs. noodles argument has taken place here before (of course).

― Paul Eater (eater), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 14:42 (twenty-one years ago)

The sheets discussion is irrelevant - they're called LASAGNE (like penne are called penne and spaghetti are called spaghetti). Noodles are thin and wiggly.

What's that Greek thing that's a cross between lasagne and moussaka that's made with extra long rigatoni as one of the layers? M&S do one in their cafe culture range in it's one of those thing's that's designed for 2 people to have with a healthy side salad, but you just eat it straight out of the foil container in one go.

(many x-posts: I have more than 4 years' experience of trying to cook for a West of Scotland Man but I'm not complaining because I have recently discovered a new cheese he likes - ricotta - to go with yer mascarpone and Philadelphia with garlic and herbs)

― Madchen (Madchen), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 14:50 (twenty-one years ago)

That's like discovering he likes taupe to go with pink and peach. Be a man, cookie, eat spores!

― Markelby (Mark C), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 14:59 (twenty-one years ago)

Is it just me or is the very question of comparing lasagne with shepherds pie a bit far fetched? Shepherds Pie vs. Hachis Parmentier I could understand and, surprisingly, for once I actually prefer the English to the French dish, but lasagne is only vaguely related to either.

― Michael White (Hereward), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 15:37 (twenty-one years ago)

The pasta vs. noodles argument has taken place here before (of course).

I know. I was just making mischief.

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 15:57 (twenty-one years ago)

"Is it just me or is the very question of comparing lasagne with shepherds pie a bit far fetched? Shepherds Pie vs. Hachis Parmentier I could understand and, surprisingly, for once I actually prefer the English to the French dish, but lasagne is only vaguely related to either."

BECAUSE, unlike shepherds pie, lasagne requires noodles.

― aimurchie, Tuesday, 12 October 2004 16:12 (twenty-one years ago)

Pasta, Alison, pasta.

― Markelby (Mark C), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 16:43 (twenty-one years ago)

Actually, if you go back you will see i was never arguing about pasta vs. noodles. i was arguing about noodles vs. sheets re: lasagne. But it has been great fun, and I will now bow down and say pasta yabetcha.

― aimurchie, Tuesday, 12 October 2004 17:09 (twenty-one years ago)

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taking sides: lasgane vs shepherds pie*

LASAGNE