Today’s Spotlight is in Meatloaf.

Meatloaf is a traditional dish made from ground meat, such as beef, pork, or poultry, mixed with other ingredients like breadcrumbs, onions, and eggs. It is then formed into the shape of a loaf, then baked or smoked. The final shape is either hand-formed on a baking tray or pan-formed by cooking it in a loaf pan.

Meatloaf is often served with mashed potatoes and a green vegetable. It can also be cut into slices and put between two pieces of bread to make a sandwich.

Meatloaf often tastes like a burger patty.

A basic meatloaf recipe might include:

Ground beef, Salsa, Crushed crackers, Worcestershire sauce, Eggs, Salt, Pepper, Ketchup.

 

History

Meatloaf’s origins can be traced back to the 5th century in Rome. The first meatloaf recipe appears in the ancient Roman cookbook Apicius. The first modern American meatloaf recipe appeared in the 1870s. It was originally intended to be a breakfast option.

The first American meatloaf was inspired by scrapple, a dish of ground pork and cornmeal served by German Americans in Pennsylvania. The Industrial Revolution and the invention of the meat grinder also contributed to the development of American meatloaf.

Meatloaf became a household staple during the Great Depression. Families could stretch their small portions of food, especially protein, into a meal that would otherwise be consumed quicker. The popularity of meatloaf increased during the Depression, along with developments in food manufacturing that produced inexpensive mix-ins like mustard and bouillon.

 

Here are some fun facts about meatloaf:

• The first American meatloaf recipe was mentioned in print in 1899.
• The Romans made meatloaf with wine-soaked bread, spices, and pine nuts.
• The Germans hid boiled eggs inside their meatloaf.
• Meat Loaf’s ((the singer) )real name was Marvin Lee Aday.
• Meat Loaf (the singer) got his start in show business in a traveling stage production of the play Hair.
• Meat Loaf (the singer) was a vegetarian from 1981 to 1992.
• Meat Loaf (the singer) deliberately put on 68 pounds in a month to fail a medical and avoid being enrolled into the army.

 

Here is a Meatloaf Recipe for you to try:

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. lean ground beef
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup onion, diced
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp chopped parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• ½ cup bbq sauce
• For the Topping:
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp yellow mustard

 

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and coat with non-stick spray, then set aside.
2. In a large bowl combine the meatloaf ingredients and mix with clean hands, until fully combined. Press the meatloaf mixture into an 8″ x 4″ loaf on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove from oven and increase oven temperature to 400 degrees.
4. Whisk together the topping ingredients, spread over the meatloaf and continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees in center.
5. Let the meatloaf rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
6. Enjoy!

 

Consumption

According to Tastewise, the average person eats meatloaf 1.4 times per year. Meatloaf is a comfort food in the United States and Canada and is served in many restaurants. It’s popular because it’s made with relatively inexpensive meat and can be modified in many ways.

 

Celebrating Meatloaf

National Meatloaf Appreciation Day is celebrated on October 18th. The holiday was established in 2007. Even though National Meatloaf Appreciation Day is not an official holiday, Americans still like meatloaf for several reasons.  Some of the reasons are:

 

• It tastes good.
• Is a budget friendly meal.
• Can be used with any meat.
• Is easy to make.

 

Celebrating Meat Loaf is a tribute to the legendary singer Meat Loaf. The show features Meat Loaf’s band, The Neverland Express, and American Idol Season 13 winner Caleb Johnson on vocals. The band performs Meat Loaf’s greatest hits, including “Bat Out Of Hell”, “Paradise By The Dashboard Lights”, and “I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)”.

 

The band is led by Paul Crook, and includes:

• John Miceli on drums
• Randy Flowers on guitar
• Lyssa Lynne on lead and backing vocals.

So, no matter which meatloaf you prefer (no shame in appreciating both) October 18 is the day to do that. Let us know in the comments which meatloaf you prefer the most.