Meatloaf

     I know it is practically un-American to say you don't like meatloaf, but I've just never cared for it.  But since my husband likes it so much I have tried countless ways to make it and they have all failed.  But I found a recipe that sparked my interest in "House Beautiful" magazine written by chef Alex Hitz called Billionaire's Meatloaf.  Of course it had plenty of ingredients I couldn't eat so I made some changes and the following is what I came up with.  I know there are plenty of ingredients, but they are worth it.

                                                                       Meatloaf
                                                

1 box sliced mushrooms
3 tblsp. stick margarine
3 tblsp. Marsala
1 egg
1 tblsp. Dijon mustard
1 tblsp. ketchup
1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
1 tblsp. Worcestshire sauce
1/3 cup soy cheddar cheese or
             lactose free swiss cheese
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
3/4 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
3 tblsp. dried onion
3 pieces turkey bacon
1 lb. hamburger or meatloaf mix
2 tblsp Marsala

     In a  skillet cook the mushrooms in the margarine until brown.  Turn off the flame and add the Marsala.  Turn the flame back on and continue to cook the mushrooms until the Marsala is gone.  Spoon mushrooms out of the pan into a separate bowl. Use the pan to par cook the turkey bacon and drain on a paper towel.
     In a large mixing bowl whip the egg with a fork, add the meat and other ingredients except the bacon,   This will be easier to do with your hands.  If you use the lactose free swiss cheese, you will need to chop it first because it comes in slices.  
     Form the meatloaf on a broiler pan that has been sprayed with vegetable spray or other pan that the meat can bake and the fat can drain away.  Lay the par cooked bacon across the top of the meat loaf diagonally.  Insert a meat thermometer in the meat loaf.  Bake at 375 degrees for about 40 minutes.  The internal temperature will read 155 degrees when the meatloaf is done.
     My recipe for next week is for sweet potatoes.  It comes with a funny story on how husbands and wives think they are communicating and they really aren't.  See you next time.