Sunday January 30th

My mom got a hold of a "secret-recipe" cookbook and made Scott and I a wonderful meal of meatloaf, biscuits, and potatoes....yum! I wanted to recreate this meal for the staff, but thought for a lunch the potatoes might be a bit heavy, so i lightened up the menu a tad with southern green beans! Enjoy!!

Secret Recipe Meatloaf (I'm not a ketchup fan so I left it off the top but did add it in!!)

2 t. vegetable oil (you really only need that tiny amount - I accidentally did tablespoons once)
1 green onion, finely minced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 T. finely minced green bell pepper
2 T. finely grated carrot
2 beaten eggs
1 c. milk
2 t. salt
1/2 t. black pepper
1/2 t. garlic powder (try to buy fresh from bulk spice section on ALL herbs, spices and powders...it really makes a difference!!)
1/2 t. onion powder
1 1/2 lbs. hamburger
3/4 lb. sausage
1 c. breadcrumbs
1/2 c. flour
1/4 c. ketchup plus an addition 1/4 c. for the top (optional)

Saute green onion, minced garlic, green pepper & carrot in oil over medium heat for a couple of mins. Combine beaten eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, mix breadcrumbs and flour into hamburger & sausage with your hands. Add egg & milk mixutre, sauteed veggies, and 1/4 c. ketchup and mix with hands. It seems really, really soupy at first, but it eventually starts sticking together.

The book says, "Get in there and squish it all around for a while. Enjoy yourself."

Press the mixture into a large loaf pan (it completely fills my bread pan, level with the top). Bake @ 350 for 30 mins. then spread 1/4 c. ketchup on top & bake for another hour. Let it sit for a bit before serving.

My mom says "The first time I made it, the ketchup on top was fine. Then I used a different oven (I made it at school for a potluck one night) & the ketchup burned. When I made it for you guys, I baked it 45 mins. without the ketchup & 45 mins. with the ketchup."



Red Lobster Biscuits

2 1/2 c. Bisquick
4 T. cold butter
1 heaping c. grated cheddar cheese
3/4 c. whole milk (I DO USE WHOLE MILK)
1/4 t. garlic powder

BRUSH ON TOP:

4 T. melted butter
1 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. dried parsley flakes
pinch of salt

Cut the butter into the Bisquick til it's about the size of peas. Add cheese, milk & 1/2 t. garlic. Mix by hand
(I use a wooden spoon) - Don't overmix!!

Drop approx. 1/4 c. of dough onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 15 - 17 mins. @ 400. When the biscuits are done, melt the butter in the microwave & stir in garlic, parsley & salt. Brush on tops. Makes one dozen.



Southern Green Beans

6 slices bacon, chopped
3 tablespoons butter
1 red onion, chopped
2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped
8 small new potatoes, diced
1 large clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Place the chopped bacon in a skillet, and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until evenly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the bacon pieces on a paper towel-lined plate.

Melt the butter in a skillet with a lid over medium-low heat, and cook and stir the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cooked bacon, green beans, potatoes, garlic, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer over low heat until the green beans are tender, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with vinegar, salt, and pepper, and serve.

Enjoy!