Beef Stew with Ghoulish Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 pound fresh mushrooms, halved
2 cups fresh baby carrots
2 medium parsnips, peeled, halved lengthwise and sliced
2 medium onions, chopped
1-1/2 cups beef broth
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 medium potatoes (2-1/3 pounds), peeled and cubed
2/3 cup sour cream
6 tablespoons butter, cubed
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1 cup green peas
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons water
Directions:
1.        In a 5-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 10 ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or until beef and vegetables are tender.

1. About 30 minutes before serving, place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain. Return potatoes to pan; add the sour cream, butter and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mash until smooth.
2. Set aside 12 peas for garnish. Add remaining peas to the slow cooker. Increase heat to high. In a bowl, whisk the flour, water and remaining salt until smooth; stir into stew. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until thickened.
3. Divide stew among six bowls. Place mashed potatoes in large resealable plastic bag; cut a 2-in. hole in one corner. Pipe ghost potatoes onto stew; garnish with reserved peas. Yield: 6 servings.