VENISON SHEPHERD'S PIE
For meat filling
3 lb boneless venison shoulder, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
3 lb pork shoulder trimmed of any skin and excess fat, boned, and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 cup water
For potato topping
1 head of garlic, cloves separated and left unpeeled
2 lb large yellow-fleshed potatoes such as Yukon Gold (about 4)
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cut into bits
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 lb sharp cheddar cheese shredded (about 2 cups)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
For corn filling
2 medium onions, chopped
5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups dry white wine
2 cups heavy cream
3 (4-inch) sprigs fresh rosemary
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (10-oz) package frozen corn
1 can creamed corn
Make meat filling:
Pat venison and pork dry, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat a dry 5- to 6-quart wide heavy pot (not nonstick) over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté one third of meat in 1 tablespoon oil, stirring and turning occasionally, until browned all over, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer browned meat with a slotted spoon to a bowl. Sauté remaining meat in 2 batches in same manner, using 1 tablespoon oil per batch and transferring to bowl as cooked.
Add remaining tablespoon oil to pot, then sauté onions and garlic, stirring, until browned, about 6 minutes. Return meat with any juices in bowl to pot, then add water and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until meat is very tender, about 1 1/4 hours. Transfer meat to a 3 1/2- to 4-quart shallow baking dish (13 by 10 by 2 inches). If cooking liquid measures more than 1/2 cup, boil in pot until reduced to 1/2 cup, then add to meat in baking dish.
Make potato topping while meat simmers:
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 400°F.
Wrap garlic in a double thickness of foil and seal well. Roast until very soft, about 45 minutes.
While garlic roasts, peel potatoes and cut into 1-inch pieces. Cook in a 4- to 5-quart pot of boiling water, uncovered, until tender, about 10 minutes, then drain.
Heat cream, milk, and butter in same pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until butter is melted. Remove from heat and stir in salt and pepper.
Unwrap garlic and cool slightly, then peel cloves. Mash hot potatoes and garlic thoroughly, add hot cream mixture and stir to combine. Stir in cheese and keep warm, covered.
Make corn filling:
Cook onions and garlic in oil in a 4- to 5-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes. Add wine and boil, uncovered, until almost all of wine is evaporated, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in cream, rosemary, salt, and pepper and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until mixture is reduced to about 1 1/2 cups, about 30 minutes. Add corn and simmer 5 minutes, add creamed corn. Discard rosemary.
Assemble pie:
Reduce oven temperature to 375°F.
Top meat filling with corn filling, then spread potato mixture on top and brush with egg. Put baking dish in a foil-lined shallow baking pan (to catch drips) and bake until fillings are bubbling and potato mixture is browned around edge, about 40 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes.