Peeps, that looks like the ultimate comfort food - I hope your family appreciated it. It has just never occurred to me to "deconstruct" a shepherd's pie, but it makes perfect sense. Jerry would love it, I'm sure.
SS-your crab cakes are a vision! I've never seen such beautiful crab cakes, and I'm guessing that nice even crust has something to do with your beautiful copper pans.
I really enjoyed preparing dinner for guests tonight. I made the pork tenderloin stuffed with spinach and mushrooms that I did for FP, with some slight changes. First, I used two tenderloins instead of one. Added shallots and sliced garlic to the stuffing, as well as a bit of Oaxaca cheese. Used bouillon in the sauce to cut down on the richness a bit - just added a little cream. I made a salad with baby romaine, thin sliced celery, fresh orange sections, slivers of red onion, candied almonds and a sweet mustardy vinaigrette. I also served with fresh baked Italian bread.
So much was happening as I served dinner that I didn't get any pictures. But the meal was very well received. Everyone loved it and cleaned their plates. I served Jerry's favorite oatmeal cake for dessert. All in all, a really nice evening with good friends and good food.