Sweet Potato Topped Beef & Bacon Pies

I am back with so much to share! First off, let me say hallelujah for the rain and several degree temperature drop. Last night was icky, sticky and way too humid- just like the past week. The thought of gardening today in the heat and humidity was a bit depressing. And then, the heavens opened. 

Initially, it was quite lovely. Then it gradually got heavier, and heavier, and heavier again, until working in it became a little too uncomfortable. After about an hour or so, I bailed, as did my wonderful helper, my dear friend Margy- though she stuck it out a little longer than me, truth be told. As for hubby- he stayed and braved the rain for many hours longer.

That was when I decided he deserved a meaty treat for dinner. Enter my sweet potato topped beef and bacon pies. Simple, delish and filling for a hardworking hubby. Recipe to follow at the end of the post. Take a look first at the day that was...

Fresh from the oven- a simple, hearty dinner.

The mowing is keeping the weeds at bay and allowing some grass to peek through, The section through the trees was part of today's clearing challenge. 

Another challenge section- the creek and beyond. We won't let anything stand in our way!

The day had arrived where some trees could come down.

I've been excited about this day! 

Out with some weeds and soon, in with some well chosen natives.

The lopping starts...

and the tree is going...

going...

going...

almost there...

Gone!

 My awesome friend, Margy, not afraid to get dirty and help out, even in the rain. 

It was actually quite a challenge. 

The years have left piles of leaf litter on top of stumps, branches, and interesting finds.

We were just keeping our eyes open- the area was perfect snake habitat.

Another tree lopped. There are a few more umbrella tree suckers sprouting here and there, but they will be taken care of next week.

Margy and I created two piles of debris: a rubbish timber and usable pile. The pile on the right will go towards creating a large compost bay.

Hopefully, we can budget in turning the left pile into wood mulch.

Hubby with our newest purchase- a budget brush cutter.

We realised we needed it, and are committed to seeing this get done.

The results were so worth it- it can clear an area before a mower and help find danger items like sticks and branches under deep weeds.

If you look closely, not only will you see a kookaburra on middle left, but slightly off centre, the above picture of hubby is zoomed out.

This is how big the initial section is.

Seeing it getting cleared is the best- 

creating the perfect canvas to landscape.

The only kind of reptile I want to see when I'm clearing a swampy area- a bearded dragon, making a great go of imitating a log. 

As you can see, things are moving along and a steady pace. If we had a digger and a backhoe, life would be a dream and the clearing would take days, not weeks and months. With or without the aid of heavy machinery, we are still determined to make this space amazing!

We have dreams of a pergoda, a wide, disabled access bridge across the creek, picnic seating, lush grass, and that's even before we talk walking track with reading coves.

Having people join us, as my beautiful friend, Margy did today, not only makes the work easier, but encourages us to keep going. The community is going to get one amazing space soon!

Now, onto tonight's dinner. I have been training hard, and carried branches today, so I don't want to be stuck cooking for hours- fatigue sets in towards nightfall for me. Tonight's meal had to be simple and satisfying. And, it was!

SWEET POTATO TOPPED BEEF & BACON PIES

ingredients:

500gms beef mince

75 gms bacon

1/2 zucchini

1 garlic clove

1/2 brown onion

1 cup grated cheddar

1/2 large sweet potato, mashed with milk & butter

1 heaped tbsp Instant gravy powder

salt & pepper

1 sheet puff pastry, defrosted

method:

• preheat oven to 220 C
• chop sweet potato (skin on) and steam or boil
• while potato is cooking, brown bacon, garlic, onion and zucchini over medium heat
• add mince, and brown also
• add gravy powder, salt & pepper- mix well
• lightly grease 4 ramekins
• even mince out between each
• top with 1/4 cup grated cheddar
• mash sweet potato and top each pie
• cut pastry into four square quarters and place over pies
• bake 15 minutes or until pastry rises and is golden

Serve with salad.

Hubby loved his dinner! Always makes me happy when my meals satisfy :)

The ramekins filled with the mince mix, cheese and sweet potato... 

Hubby called me over to take this photo :)

I think he liked his meal!

The day has certainly been full, and also wonderful. I hope this inspires you to get out, take on a challenge to improve the lives of others, or just make some great home cooking!

That is your lot for today. Until next time, thanks for reading :)