Everyone piles on poor January like it's some cranky old disciplinarian. Like it's January's fault for being on the calendar when it's often cold and gloomy. Like it's January's fault that after months of indulgence in food, gifts and various and sundry celebrations, we have to get back to some sort of normal.
But we must get back to some sort of normal of course, and we do. In January we face, recognize and take responsibility for our gluttony. It's like some mid-winter al cheyt.
So, on January's menu: simple, easy, homey, plain-old food.
Frankly, after the Hallowe'en candy and Thanksgiving turkey with stuffing and Hanukkah latkes and doughnuts and New Year's brunch I am ready to make a fresh start. Ready for food like meatloaf.
Actually, that doesn't seem like punishment to me. Just a bit of down home, back-to-basics. I like that.
Here's my simple go-to version.
Plain Old Meatloaf
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground veal
- 1/2 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup soft fresh breadcrumbs
- 1 cup chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
- salt and pepper
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine the meats in a bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, 3/4 cup of the chili sauce, soy sauce, eggs, onion, garlic, thyme and some salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly and place the mixture into a lightly oiled 9”x5” loaf pan. Spread the remaining chili sauce over the surface. Bake for about one hour or until the sides of the meat come away from the pan.
Makes 6-8 servings