I faced my fear & made ... Meatloaf!

When I was younger I wanted to eat food like I saw in films. They always looked like they were eating far better than me. So I asked my mother to make meatloaf.

She did & put it in the fridge til later. I was an inquisitive child. I couldn't resist a peak .... and a poke.

I plunged my finger into the goo & my finger was immediately engulfed in blood .......... BLOOD!!! I dry heaved. I didn't eat the meatloaf. In fact I didn't eat red meat for years after that.

So, you can imagine how nervous I was making the stuff. I mean I couldn't avoid it, it's as American as apple pie (ooooo I'll enjoy that one!!).

I waited til this weekend as the boss was away & I had time to myself. Time to prepare & definitely NOT to poke before cooking.

So here's the recipe (from allaboutmeatloaf.com):

1lb ground beef (I used lean mince)

1/2 cup of onion ( I used red)

1/2 cup of breadcrumbs

1/4 cup of stock (I used chicken)

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

4 oz tomato puree

Mix all ingredients together. Looks good doesn't it !?!

I bought those silver takeaway trays. If you get the long ones you will get 1 -2. If you get the ones that are more square you'll probably get 3. I put 1 in the fridge the rest in the freezer.

Before I cooked the meatloaf I made holes in the bottom of the tray for the fat to run away. I placed it on a rack on top of a baking tray & cooked it for 30 mins on a preheated 180c/350f oven - no lid!!

Guess what ............ it was lovely! I ate half of it last night with braised red cabbage & green beans & just polished the rest of for my lunch.

So don't be scared .... give meatloaf a go!!