I didn’t say it was good — I said it was meatloaf — three versions: Joan Crawford’s, Jack Benny’s and mine

I’m greeting the New Year with the cold that spans the world right now, so thanks to Mr. Benny and Ms. Crawford we have some comfort food for cold weather.

And by “cold weather” I mean something like this:

Now, in my house meatloaf is variously known as “oh, that!” and an “unidentified meat object” but its most virulent critic is away at university now, so let the meatloaf recipes commence. Serve with mashed potatoes and a green salad and you’re in business.

Word to the wise, do not substitute 3 Tbs. of any kind of salt for that Lawry’s stuff. Just throw in your favorite herbs. I do have a picture of Joan in the kitchen, please see the next post in a few hours 😉 .

My comments on this one? I have no idea what Sucaryl is, but I have a hunch it causes brain damage. It’s a perfectly delicious Sponge Cake Recipe if you substitute 1 1/4 cups of sugar. Here are Jack and daughter Joan Benny in the kitchen, adorable:

My meatloaf recipe is based on Bill Blass’s. Does it have anything to do with the Kid studying fashion design? Nah, the recipe preceded his advent.

1 pound ground beef, 1 pound ground turkey, 1 pound ground pork, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 diced celery stalks, 1 diced carrot, 1 diced onion, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 1/2 cups crumbled fresh bread, 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley is fine if that’s all that’s available, in summer it’s nice to throw in basil), 1/3 cup sour cream, pinch of dried thyme, salt and pepper, 1/2 cup Heinz chili sauce (or ketchup with a tablespoon of horseradish stirred in).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sauté the celery, onion, and carrot until soft in the butter and olive oil. Get a big bowl and combine everything except the chili sauce. Place meatloaf in pan, top with sauce, and roast for one hour. (If you put a pan of water in the bottom of the oven it will be even better.) There you have it!