As requested, here is the loaf recipe I made the other day. It is pretty simple, but in hindsight, I think it could be a little tastier. With some modifications, (I glazed it differently and it needs more internal flavour than just ketchup) it was taken from the Everything Tastes Better with Bacon cookbook.
Schmidty's Meat Loaf
3 think slices bacon, cut in half
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 lbs ground beef
1/2 cup ground breadcrumbs
1/4 cup ketchup
1/2 tsp dijon mustard
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1. Preheat the oven to 350.
2. In a skillet, cook the bacon until limp and barely cooked. Put aside, reserve 1 tbsp of bacon drippings in skillet.
3. Saute the onions in same skillet for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic until lightly browned, 1-2 minutes.
4. Combine onions with all remaining ingredients in large bowl. Don't over mix.
5. Place in loaf pan and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove from oven, and arrange bacon across top of loaf.
7. Return to oven and bake for 40 minutes longer. Remove from oven, let stand for ten minutes and serve.
Now it should be mentioned that I made these small. I split the ingredients into two and baked them in smaller loaf tins.
The salt shaker was used for scale. Here is one up close.
And not to worry, the recipe for the Italian loaf is on the way.
