Lamb Stew with Mashed Potato Crust

Preparation

1. Mix together flour, chile powder, salt, and pepper. Roll lamb shanks in flour mixture. In a large roasting pan, heat oil; sear shanks. Add onions, celery, carrots, and garlic; continue to sear. Add wine, broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 2 1/4 hours, turning shanks occasionally, until meat is very tender. Pull meat from the bone; continue to simmer over low heat until stew thickens slightly. Strain the sauce from the bottom of the pan and reduce by half. Add back into stew; cool.
2. In a small pot, boil potatoes until fork slides out of potatoes easily. While potatoes are boiling, in a separate pan, heat cream and butter until hot. Do not boil. Drain water from potatoes; place potatoes in mixer. Add 1 cup cream mixture; mix until blended. Slowly add garlic cloves and remaining cream while mixer is on medium speed. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Put lamb stew in oven safe bowl; top with warm mashed potatoes. Bake at 375° for approximately 15 minutes, until stew bubbles over the side and potatoes are golden brown.