I am lucky because my family loves meatloaf. Some people think meat loaf should be served only to save money, not to impress friends. I have discovered you can make a very attractive meat loafand still serve it for a lot less than some other meats.
Bacon-Topped Meat Loaf (Serves 8 )
1/2 Cup chili sauce
2 Eggs, lightly beaten
1 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 medium onion, diced
1 (4 oz) Cup cheddar cheese, shredded
2/3 Cup dry bread crumbs
1/2 Teaspoon salt
1/4 Teaspoon pepper
2 Pounds lean ground beef
2 Bacon strips, cut in half
Directions
1. In a bowl, combine the first eight ingredients.
2. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well.
3. Shape mixture into a loaf shape and put in an ungreased 13×9x2 inch baking dish.
4. Put bacon strips on top of loaf.
5. Bake uncovered for 70-80 minutes at 350 degrees, or until meat is no longer pink.
(Internal temp reads 160 degrees)
6. Drain and let stand about 10 minutes before slicing.
Green Rice
1 ( 10 oz)Package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry.
1 Cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 Cup half-and-half cream
1/2 Cup onion, chopped
1 Tbsp butter
1 Tsp salt
Directions
1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Transfer to a greased 1-1/2 quart baking dish.
3. Cover and bake for 25-35 minutes at 350 degrees.
Bacon Tomato Spinach Salad ( Serves 4-6)
12 Ounces (about 16 cups) torn fresh spinach
12 Cherry tomatoes cut in half
6 Bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1/4 Cup red onion, cut in strips
Creamy Oregano Dressing
1 Cup mayonnaise
1-2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 teaspoons dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, tomatoes, bacon and onion.
2. In another bowl, combine the dressing ingredients and whisk until smooth.
3. Serve with salad
Chocolate Cola Cake (Serves 12)
1 (18.25 oz) package devil’s food cake mix
1 (3.9 oz) package chocolate instant pudding mix
4 Large eggs
1/2 Cup vegetable oil
1 (10 oz) bottle cola soft drink (1-1/4 cups
Chocolate Cola Frosting
1/2 Cup butter
1/2 Cup cola soft drink
3 Tbsp cocoa
1 (16 oz) package powdered sugar, sifted
1 Cup chopped pecans, toasted if desired
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat first 4 ingredients at low speed
with an electric mixer until blended.
2. Gradually add cola. Increase speed to medium, and beat 2 minutes.
3. Pour batter into greased and floured 9″ x 13″ pan.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until toothpick, inserted in center,
comes out clean. Cool in pan, on wire rack for 10 minutes.
Frosting
1. Combine first 3 ingredients in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat,
stirring constantly until butter melts (Do not boil)
2. Remove from heat, stir in powdered sugar and vanilla. Stir in pecans.
3. Spread warm frosting over top of warm cake. Cool completely.
If you learn to do several steps at one time, like mix the meat loaf and put in oven.
Prepare the cake and put it in the oven with the meatloaf (remember the cake will
come out in 30 minutes) While these two are baking, prepare the rice and put it in the oven
too(it bakes 25-35 minutes or until tender). This will make the entire meal coming out of the
oven in about 1 hour and 10 minutes. You can prepare the salad and dessert while the rest of
the meal bakes. Serve with some yummy rolls and you have a spread fit for a king!
Stayed tuned, or tune in tomorrow for another menu idea.
JanetK
