Cooking In The Grove

Monday, May 3, 2010

First Posting!


I don't always follow directions. I don't always measure. I like to make my own mistakes. I like to invent new creations. I like to cook.
Here is a meatloaf and potato recipe. They go hand in hand. I made the meatloaf recipe by myself and my mom handed down the potato recipe. A lot of my cooking skills are from her. We don't write things down, we taste as we go. I hope you enjoy!

Tasty Meatloaf
1 lb. ground beef
½ lb. ground pork sausage
1/3 cup bread crumbs
1 egg
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 tbsp onion, chopped (save 1 tbsp for the potatoes)
1 tbsp celery, chopped
Sprinkle of dried herb mixture, Basil, Oregano, marjoram
Dash of Worcestershire Sauce
Salt, Pepper, Seasoning Salt

Topping
1/4 Cup Ketchup
1 tsp. Mustard
1 tsp. Brown Sugar

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

First, I like to chop up all my veggies. The above ingredients are approximate. I tend to not measure. If I’m feeling the garlic, I put lots in. Sometimes I like more onion. It’s all about how you feel.

Then I added my meat mixture. I’m saving the other half of my pork sausage to make my potato sausage casserole for tomorrow. (More to come on that.) Next, I sprinkle my spices and my herbs on my meat.

Then comes the bread crumbs and Worcestershire Sauce. Lastly is the egg. I mix the creation lightly, just enough to get everything blended. The food network says over mixing makes the meat tough. So I totally don’t over mix.


I grease my bread pan, and press the mixture into it. I’m cooking it for about an 1 1/2 hours.

Then I mix the 3 topping ingredients together. Spread over the meatloaf for the last 15 minutes of baking.


Right after I put the meatloaf in, I get started on my Party Potatoes! They are so yummy!
Party Potatoes for Two
2 large potatoes, I use Russet
1 carton of cream cheese-I use the whole thing, you may want less depending on your love of cream cheese
1 tbsp onions, from above
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp milk
Garlic Salt, Onion Powder, Seasoning Salt, Salt and Pepper.

Okay this one is super easy!
Peel and cut the potatoes into small pieces. Place in a pan filled with cold, salted water. The smaller they are, the faster they cook!
Once the potatoes are soft, easily broken with a fork, then it is time to drain!
Place the potatoes back in the pan, USE A METAL PAN! Those work best with the beaters!
I put my seasoning directly on the potatoes first. Then I throw the cream cheese on next. I place my cream cheese on the stove while the potatoes are finishing up so it softens and is easier to work with. I use my mixer to mix it up just so its blended, about 30-45 seconds. Time to taste! Should be thick, and depending on your preference, super cream cheesy or just a hint. I then add the butter, a dash more of salt, and the milk. My mom always says to add the milk last, because if you add to much in the beginning... well good luck! Mix together and continue to taste. Add more salt and pepper if needed.
Spray a casserole dish and transfer the potatoes to it. Sprinkle with Salt and Pepper on top. I cover mine for 20-25 minutes, then take the lid off and continue baking until the top is golden like.