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Monday, April 29, 2013

Spring Meatloaf Patties with Mashed Potatoes and Petite* Peas PLUS Refreshing (and good for you) Waldorf Salad

HURRAY, and PLT, I am finally back!!!!! I will do two today, and try to do that for a couple days to make up for the days I have missed. Believe me, it was PAINFUL to be away from this blog for over TWO weeks. I hope you enjoyed viewing older posts in my absence. Thanks for hangin' in there! Thanks, Kris -Caterer for your comments!

Spring Meatloaf Patties accompanied by a savory gravy, with Mashed Potatoes and Petite Peas:
You can make this with ground lamb, beef, chicken or meatless grounds:
(serves 4)

1&1/2 lbs. ground lamb
Sea* salt and freshly ground pepper
2 slices white bread, crusts removed (that's the way I eat bread)
1/4 cup milk
1 bunch scallions, white and green parts separated and finely chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (again, I am encouraging you to plant your herb garden now)
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh lemon* mint
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 t. creamed horseradish
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 T. lemon zest
EVOO, for drizzling
2 lbs. small red-skinned new potatoes, halved
1/2 cup half and half
4 T. butter
1 cup frozen petite* peas, thawed
2 T. flour
1&1/2 cups low-sodium* beef broth
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 T. Dijon mustard

Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 450. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the meat in a large bowl, and season liberally with S&P. In a small bowl, soak the bread in the milk, then crumble the bread into the meat. Mix the scallion whites, parsley, mint, egg, horseradish, lemon zest and a healthy drizzle of EVOO into the meat. Separate the mixture into 4 equal portions.Using your hands, form 4 mini loaves about 1&1/2" thick. Place the loaves on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven until cooked through 15-18 mins. Meanwhile, in a pot, combine the potatoes and enough cold water to cover; bring to a boil. Salt the water and cook the potatoes until tender, 15-20 mins. Drain and return to the hot pot. Add the half and half, scallion greens and 2 T. butter; mash to your desired consistency. Season with S&P, then fold in the peas. Cover the pan to keep warm. In a small skillet, melt the remaining 2 T. butter. Whisk in the flour for 1 min., then whisk in the beef broth, and Worcestershire; season with pepper. Cook to thicken the gravy for a couple of mins., then whisk in the mustard. Serve the meatloaf patties with the mashed potatoes. Top with gravy.

Waldorf Salad - this would be delightful to take on a picnic to a concert this spring and summer:
(serves 2-3)

1/2 cup light* mayo
1&3/4* T. distilled white vinegar
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup dried cherries* (you can plump these up by putting them in the microwave in a little water 
       for one minute)
1/2 cup toasted* walnuts
Sea* salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayo and vinegar. Add rest of ingredients and mix well. Chill and serve in butter lettuce cups with a smile!!

"Life matters - make the MOST of it", and have FUN today.

Love,

MM


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