Meatloaf

This is my version of a meatloaf. It has an Italian twist which is moist and flavorful. No eggs here! Ricotta cheese acts as the binder. Great served with mashed potatoes infused with garlic. (As I boil my potatoes I add 2 cloves of garlic to the water and mash it into the potatoes..thanks mom!)

1 lb ground beef

½ Zucchini; chopped

½ large green pepper; chopped

1/2 large red pepper; chopped

4 slices pancetta; diced

1 med onion; chopped

2 gloves roasted garlic smashed

4 tbs + 4tbs Balsamic Vinegar

1/4 + 1/4 cup Ketchup

½ tsp Garlic powder

½ tsp Onion powder

Pinch Red pepper flakes

2 tsp Italian seasoning

½ Cup Bread Crumbs

¼ cup Ricotta Cheese

• Heat oven to 350
• In saute' pan dizzle with olive oil over med heat and pancetta and cook till crisp
• Add onion; saute till soft and almost caramelized
• Add zuchinni and peppers; saute about 5 - 10min; until soft
• Add garlic and stir one min
• Let cool
• In mixing bowl add ground beef, veggie mixture, 4tbs balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup ketchup, seasonings, bread crumbs, and ricotta cheese
• Mold into loaf pan
• Mix remaning 4 tbs balsamic vinegar with 1/4 cup ketchup and pour over loaf
• Bake 40 min and let cool before slicing

Thank you Cabernet Sauvignon!

I have been sick since NEW YEARS EVE! I even fell asleep before the ball dropped (very disappointing) I started feeling like myself yesterday and sick of eating canned soup; I wanted to cook a comfort meal and even more comforting dessert. My menu planned of pot roast with mashed potatoes, carrots, peas, and brioche berry bread pudding. As I start my pot of oil to sear my pot roast it splatters and about 1/4 cup of oil decides to pop on my arm... (OUCH!!!!) At first I was in shock... then in agonizing pain. I was so upset because I was so looking forward to drinking a glass of the best wine ever (Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon) listen to my new Dean Martin CD (thanks Grandma) but yet I cooked my arm. (And I thought olive oil was good for your skin) So, instead I freaked out and ran all around my duplex (people below were prob wondering what the heck I was doing. Finally, when my scorching arm 'cooled' down I did cook my delicious comfort meal! (just drank the bottle of wine to ease the pain while I cooked)



Thought I would share the pain (picture of when it happened and day after (Ouch!)


After that heres a pretty site!

Brioche Berry Bread Pudding

• 5 eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tbs vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cups blueberries (frozen)
• 1 cup dark cherries (frozen)
• 1 loaf brioche bread (or other egg bread)
• Cut bread in 1/2 in cubes and let sit out in oven uncovered overnight to let dry out
• Place bread in 9x13 buttered dish
• Heat oven to 350
• Wisk in medium bowl eggs, milks, vanilla, lemon, and sugar
• Pour over bread
• Sprinkle fruits and push down to soak all pieces of bread
• Let sit 10-15 min
• Place in oven for 35-40 min until set
• During baking make glaze (recipe follows)
• When done pour glaze over and let sit until cooled

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• half squeezed lemon (add more if needed)
• 1 lemon zested
• Mix together and top on hot bread pudding