Meatloaf: Do Right!

Meatloaf is a misunderstood entree.  Relegated to cafeteria food and given the same bad rap as fruitcake, it just doesn't get much respect.  But this humble dish is really very tasty when done right, as it is here.

I love meatloaf.  This is a very meaty version of meatloaf.  My family makes another veggie-filled recipe that I will share in a future blog post.

The sauce is marvelous, but if you have non-sauce lovers in your family, keep the sauce separate and add to individual portions.

It is puzzling why people don't make meatloaf right, hence today's song, "Why Don't You Do Right" sung by Peggy Lee.  So you can give meatloaf a little more respect if "you do right" making it from a dependable recipe!

MEATLOAF
3 pounds ground sirloin
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup 12-grain cereal, ground
2 eggs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
dash hot pepper flakes
dash cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons dried onion
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
1/8 teaspoon salt

SAUCE
2 cups Heinz Ketchup
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons white vinegar

MEATLOAF DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  In a very large bowl, mix together all meatloaf ingredients.
2. Pat into a loaf in a 9" x 13" pan.  Bake for one hour.
3. If using sauce, pour heated sauce over the top of the meatloaf at the one-hour mark and bake for 15-20 minutes longer or until sauce is slightly caramelized. 

SAUCE DIRECTIONS

1. Put ingredients in a large saucepan and heat until just boiling.  Whisk ingredients until smooth.  Remove from burner.

Meatloaf

You know, meatloaf really gets a bad rap.  Generally looked upon as the meal from leftovers, it usually has a week's worth of odds and ends in it.  Don't even get me started on cafeteria meatloaf...

Tonight I had just about the best meatloaf ever!  Really seriously and truly the best!

Here are some of the ingredients:

• Ground Sirloin
• Sausage
• Sesame Seeds
• Zucchini
• Sweet Potatoes
• Red Pepper
• Onion
• Egg
• Oatmeal
• Red Pepper Flakes
• Garlic
• Fresh Spinach
• Craisins (Yes, Craisins!)

The meatloaf was so moist and spicy (I absolutely love spicy food).

So I thought it might be fun to just put on one of my favorite jazz songs "Why Don't You Do Right?" on for today.  I guess it's a mish-mash today, just like meatloaf!