Friday, October 23, 2009

Things I Have Learned From My Meatloaf

Ketchup only covers up and hides meatloaf's true beauty.

Just because a meatloaf isn't made of ground beef doesn't mean it can't be delicious.

Meatloaf can handle change. Don't be afraid to mix things up. Unexpected and exciting results may occur.

Surround meatloaf with only those ingredients that enhance the meatloaf, that make the meatloaf a better loaf, not with those that lead meatloaf astray from it's natural goodness.

As meatloaf is prepared, beware the heavy hand or meatloaf will wind up a dense, hard, and unyielding brick, impenetrable to those things designed to help it achieve its full potential.

Always remember to grease the pan.

Although small and insignificant in and of themselves, when part of a meatloaf bread crumbs and seasonings are transformed into something bigger than themselves. 

Meatloaf is inherently good.

Meatloaf does not form itself. There is a higher power at work. 


So, what has your meatloaf taught you?

24 comments:

BashfulToast said...

Haha, cute. I haven't had meatloaf in forever. Sounds good with some mashed potatoes and gravy!

Unknown said...

Thanks PHC! You're up awfully early!

Willoughby said...

I learned that the best meatloaf recipes make the best meatballs. Tis true!

Anonymous said...

Meatloaf is a fave in our house...we're always mixing it up. We just had Mexican Meatloaf last week...with some salsa, some breadcrumbs and some seasonings mixed in. YUM!

Unknown said...

Come to think of it, you are right. I use pretty much the same ingredients when making meatballs, too.

Julie Kwiatkowski Schuler said...

Sometimes my meatloaf, at the end, will tell me "go ahead and put the broiler on for a few minutes, you know everyone likes it a little crispy and brown on top".

Unknown said...

Yes Julie...we are all refined by the "refiner's fire". Crispy bits are the best, don't you think?

Raoulysgirl said...

I just made meatloaf last night! Which is what my meatloaf has taught me during the last 3 months. I had ALWAYS used the same meatloaf recipe because I had "perfected" it. My family loved it. Guess what happened when we had to change our diet for my mom? No more meatloaf? Nope...I just "defatted" it. And my meatloaf told me that it's actually tastier this way while being MUCH better for my family. Meatloaf ISN'T against change. It will take on new challenges in order to continue being a part of our lives (and still taste just as good...maybe even better!).

ballast photography said...

I wish I could add something insightful to the meatloaf conversation...but I don't eat red meat. or really much white meat. or any other color, either.

I see you everywhere I go, so i thought it was finally time i dropped by to say "hi" :)

Bibi @ Bibi's Culinary Journey said...

Cute post...We love meatloaf.
I never use ketchup, but I use tomato paste. Instead of breadcrumbs I use rolled oats and I always add at least 2 cups of shredded carrots or zucchini into the mix.

Lissaloo said...

lol, hmmmmmmm I think it has taught me that everyone has a different idea of what meatloaf is and that my kiddos won't eat anything I make that I give the name "meatloaf" to, lol :)

Pelican Joe said...

Momma always said... "Life is like plate of meatloaf... You don't know what you are going to get until you start eating". Well, okay, Momma never said that. No, she said things like "shut up and eat your meatloaf!"

Unknown said...

LOL! The same Momma who, when serving liver, told you it was steak?! LOL!

Tracie said...

My meatloaf has taught me that it's cold and lonely in the deep dark night but I can see paradise by the dashboard light...., Oh, wrong meatloaf!

I loved your post and I love meatloaf (the food not the singer).

Lee said...

I never knew meatloaf could be so deep!!

Aleta said...

I enjoyed your post! Visiting from SITS. I haven't cooked meatloaf in an age, but suddenly I have the desire to do so. :)

Pelican Joe said...

kys... Now that's FUNNY! I just wish I would have made that connection!

Life Laugh Latte said...

I agree with everything except the Ketchup bit. On some days the whole bottle is necessary! Sounds like a book in the making...go for it! Have a great weekend. Holly at lifelaughlatte.blogspot.com

This Wife Cooks said...

Excellent post. And so profound! ;)

stephanie said...

I have to say, I used to make meatloaf on "my" family dinner night so that I would *not* have to eat it; I really hated meatloaf and if my mom made it I was expected to eat it and I would drench it with mustard.

But now, I have found a pretty extraordinary recipe including bacon and gobs of cheese. I still put lots of mustard on though...

(Hey, thanks for visiting me :D)

Kimberly said...

Wow! I have not had meatloaf since I had it repeat on me. It wasn't the fault of the meatloaf, but I was having a gallbladder attack. My husband had to rush me to the hospital, and I had surgery (my very first, and only one) that night. There was also a 5.? earthquake that night I was in the hospital. I was more afraid of the quake than expiring from gallbladder attack.

Bethany said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Bethany said...

Wow, a good dinner and a philosophy.

Jenn Erickson said...

Polly, I love this post! And how timely! It was my husband's birthday on Monday and I made him his favorite dinner: My homemade meatloaf, parmesan garlic mashed potatoes, and green beans. I replaced half of the ground beef with ground pork this time and the hub and I both agreed that it was even more wonderful than ever. My favorite way to do meatloaf is to bake it out of the pan. I accomplish this by lining the pan with plastic wrap, pressing the meat mixture in, then inverting and pan, thereby releasing the molded meat (mmm.. appetizing description, eh?) onto a parchment lined baking sheet. I do a very light glaze of Katsup, worchestershire, a spash of hot sauce, chili powder and honey. It's marvelous! Meatloaf got a bad rap in the 70s. Most chefs I know totally rock the meatloaf!

Jenn @ rookno17.blogspot.com

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