When my H was alive we had cottage pie weekly and even after my GD came to live with me we had it regularly but I suddenly went off any thing with mince in it, it was both texture and taste.
Considering that I had been enjoying it for 80 something years I was surprised, but I agree that a well made Cottage pie with the right balance of ingredients and a super creamy mash top is a joy and I have always felt that teaching pupils how to make it at school should be compulsory, it would eliminate many a junk food meal.
It can be very economical with lots of veg included and. I have a recipe somewhere with red lentils bulking out the mince.
Well done for satisfying your guests an and proving to your French friend that English cooking is not all bad.
New computer stolen by builder
What colour car do you have or did you used to drive?
Recalled for a further appointment after a routine mammogram
