Pie Query

[msemma]

What is the difference between and shepherd's pie and a cottage pie?

[ronnie963]

cottage pie is beef

shepards pie is lamb

[nickmo]

Shepherds pie - lamb, Cottage pie - beef.

[andy-hughes]

The idea is that a shepherd is out in the wilds, and makes his pie out of the available meat - mutton or lamb, and a farmer has access to his cattle, so he can make his cottage pie with beef.

[msemma]

andy-hughes, it all seems quite logical really when you think abut it, thanks. I may quote you to my work colleagues.

[valsuey]

I was always told that shepherds pie is minced beef or lamb topped with mash.Cottage pie is the same but finished off with a pastry top thus making the "roof" of the cottage. I could be wrong of course but its a nice idea I think.