Thursday, February 04, 2010

Meatloaf: revisited

This post has two purposes; a new method for meatloaf and a product review.

For the past few years I've been trying to recreate my Mom's meatloaf. I loved it but can't seem to hit on the exact recipe. It's not from trying but since my beloved doesn't love meatloaf like I do I don't try it too often. My last attempt Meatloaf on the Grill was a very complicated, many ingredient recipe from America's Test Kitchen. Though tasty, it was not what I was looking for plus it had way too many ingredients and prep.

As they often do, ATK had revisited the recipe and created different. Far less steps and indredients but more of a change in procedure. Check out their website for the recipe or adjust your own favorite but here might be the secret.
  • Add crushed saltine crackers instead of breadcrumbs.
  • Saute whatever vegetables you use. I like onion and celery.
  • Use a mixture of plain yogurt, egg and Dijon mustard.
Now for the product review. For Christmas I'd requested a French Blue Steel skillet and got a wonderful de Buyer pan. It's 12" with an extra handle because this sucker is heavy and that handle makes it easier to get in and out of the oven. It browns meat perfectly and even doubles as a roasting pan.

Treat it just like any cast iron pan, make sure you season it first and don't wash it with soap and don't let food sit in the pan. I wipe out the pan and "scour" it with kosher salt then run water and scrub with a hard bristle brush. Rinse, dry and wipe a bit of vegetable oil in the pan and good to go. I've yet to have a problem with sticking.

Here I'm using it to bake my meat loaf. Always put a tiny bit of oil in the pan before putting in the meat.

The recipe calls for bacon to be wrapped over the meatloaf and baked until the bacon is crispy and internal temp is 160 degrees. Don't forget to let it rest for 20 minutes.

Very good, not my mom's but I liked to just the same. Now, my beloved isn't that crazy about meatloaf so he drowns it in ketchup. I think I like it cold in sandwiches the best but since he's not a fan I don't usually make it for just the two of us. Wanna come to dinner?

3 comments:

Memaw's memories said...

meatloaf is one of my favorite meats. When I make it, I make mini's and put some in the freezer. If not, I end up eating the entire thing. My mother used saltines in her meatloaf or oats sometimes.

My son is a ml hater, but his wife loves it, so I have to share with her.

barb said...

My beloved loves meatloaf, anyones, no gouramnd here. Me not so much but cold meatloaf samich, with mayo and lettuce that I really like.

WTHeck was so different in Momma's?

Deborah Eley De Bono said...

Memaw, I like the idea of mimis. Might try that one. Bake them at the same time and then freeze one.

Doodles, I think she use oats or rice. I don't know.