VERONICA'S SALTFISH PIE

I was talking to my sister Veronica (she lives in St Maarten) on Mother's Day. We usually exchange recipes so it came as no surprise when she told me to try stewing some saltfish and then baking it with some mash potatoes. Well, I did and I must admit that this dish was a real hit. I served it with Mango Relish and a green salad.

1 lb saltfish
1 large onion chopped
3 garlic cloves crushed and minced
sprig fresh thyme
4 chives chopped
2 tomatoes chopped
1/2 green pepper chopped
3 tablespoon olive oil
2 lbs white potatoes
1 cup warm milk
4 tablespoon butter
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Soak the saltfish overnight or for several hours. Wash, peel and cook the potatoes in boiling water. Boil the saltfish in fresh water until tender. Drain and flake the fish. In a large sauce pan heat oil. Add pepper, onion, garlic and chives and satue for 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook until soft. Add the saltfish and a piece of fresh thyme and cook for about 5 minutes longer. Salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and set aside. Drain the potatoes and mash. Add the butter and warm milk. Beat until light and fluffy. In a greased pie dish add the mashed potatoes and saltfish in alternate layers, ending with the potatoes. Sprinkle the cheese on top and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.