Meatloaf

Here is the next in the series of Sunday Dinners. This is one from my childhood that I wasn't particular fond of, although I don't recall why.

This is largely based off of a Cooks Illustrated recipe.

Software:
For the sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 tsp apple cider vinegar

For the meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 medium onion small dice
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp table salt
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 2 tsp worcestershire
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- about 2/3 cup quick cooking oatmeal blitzed in the food processor til a coarse powder - you can use the equivalent of crackers or other bread crumbs
- 1 tbsp dried parsley

1. Prep the sauce by combining the three ingredients
2. Saute the onions and garlic for a few mins until softened, set aside to cool slightly
3. Beat the eggs and combine with the thyme, salt, pepper, mustard, worcestershire, yogurt
4. Combine the egg mixture with the onion mixture, crumbs, parsley, meats
5. Form the combined mixture into a loaf on a rimmed baking sheet
6. Spread about 1/4 of the glaze on the tops and sides of the loaf
7. Cook in 350 degree preheated oven for about 45 mins until glaze is set
8. Baste the loaf with another 1/4 of the glaze and place back in for 15 mins or until the internal temp is 160
9. Let the meet rest for about 20 mins
10. In the meantime reduce the sauce over medium low heat until reduced and thickened

Yum!

Pan Fried Fish

This is an easy, healthy weeknight meal.

Software:
- Tilapia filets - I use individually wrapped and frozen - defrost before using
- Flour for dusting
- Kosher Salt, Pepper and other seasonings if you like

1. Put a 12 inch nonstick skillet on medium high heat with some fat (veg oil, olive oil, and/or butter)
2. Pat dry your filets and season with salt and pepper - you can also season with other herbs and spices if you want (for example I'll sometimes use a pinch of cayenne). Let this stand for a couple minutes.
3. In a shallow dish put some flour (I use whole wheat but you can use AP flour)
4. Put each filet in the dish and shake/flip to coat. Pick up and shake off excess.
5. Place filets in pan and cook for 2-4 minutes until it becomes opaque partly up the sides and the bottoms are starting to brown
6. Flip filets and cook for another 2 minutes until cooked through and browned some on the bottom

If cooking batches place the first batch in a 200 degree oven.
These are great on fish tacos, sandwiches, or plain with some tartar sauce.

Yum!

Baked Pasta

In a continuation of Sunday night meals with the kids, I present to you a baked pasta dish. I have adapted a simple baked ziti recipe for this.

Software:
- 1 lb pasta
- 1 lb of meat. I am going to use a combo of ground beef 90% lean and ground pork because the boys aren't huge beef eaters.
- dried oregano and basil about a tablespoon total to your liking
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 28 oz can tomato purée
- 2 cups each of shredded mozzarella and cheddar
- 1/2 cup Parmesan

1. Preheat oven to 400 and coat a 13 x 9 Pyrex dish with cooking spray
2. Cook the pasta according to directions, but leaving a little underdone
3. Over medium high heat brown the meat, remove, and drain
4. Over medium heat cook the onions with a little salt until softened
5. In a large bowl mix together this mixture with the pasta and meat and sauce
6. Add in a cup esch of the mozz and cheddar along with half the Parmesan and salt and pepper
7. Empty this into the prepared dish, covering with more of the cheeses
8. Bake for 20 to 30 mins until the top is bubbly and starting to brown