KITCHEN , from P . 24 around 2 p . m . and the turkey and all the trimmings are served around 4:30 p . m . Christmas is easier , she said . “ Christmas is a little more laid back , focused more on breakfast . We all get together for breakfast — a breakfast casserole , bagels , Danish , etc .,” Young said .
The family members sometimes go to different houses throughout the day .
“ Sometimes we will all get back together for dinner . Just casual , not a big sit down like Thanksgiving . Just ham , mac and cheese , a buffet ,” Young said .
Young is a cancer survivor . Her diagnosis came nearly eight years ago . She is thankful for her current good health
THE HAMMONTONIAN | OCTOBER 2022 | P . 25
Helping others with the gift of home cooking
and tries to give back to others in need through Lasagna Love , a nationwide program .
Young said volunteers prepare a meal for someone in need . It is delivered and is often lasagna , baked ziti or soup .
“ For people who are in need a good , home-cooked meal . It is not a financial thing . It is a need ,” Young said , adding that there are quite a few cooks helping out in town .
“ It isn ’ t just Hammonton . You pick your radius . The people are very grateful . If I see anybody in town suffering with cancer , I give them soup . It is one thing you don ’ t want to worry about if you have all that other stuff involved . I was fortunate to have my mother here and Jeff cooks ,” Young said .
MARY YOUNG ’ S HOME IS DECORATED FOR FALL INCLUDING THE TABLE
SHEPHERD ’ S PIE AKA IRISH LASAGNA
A pound and a half of 80 / 20 ground meat 1 / 2 cup Vidalia onion 1 tsp fresh garlic 1 tsp oregano Salt n pepper 1 cup Wonder flour 1 / 2 stick of butter One bag of white shredded cheddar cheese 2 pound of potatoes for mashing 1 can of green beans ( drained )
Boil potatoes in water while completing other steps .
Place onions and butter in cast iron frying pan . Stir until onions are browned and butter is melted , add in half of wonder flour to make a rue , stir until mixed through and forms gravy . Add additional flour , May be thick gradually add water to break up any pieces for a smooth gravy .
Brown hamburger in another pan and cook thru . Put hamburger aside and complete mashing potatoes . Once potatoes are mashed begin assembling .
Mix ground hamburger meat in with the gravy and add green beans to same mixture . Add in seasoning salt and pepper to taste . Stir until combined . Pour mixture into a 9 x 12 casserole dish . Spread mashed potatoes over entire area until meat is mixture Completely covered . Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over top of mashed potatoes ,
Cook at 350 ° for 60 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is browned . Makes 6 servings .