Bailey's Birthday: Meatloaf

Today is Bailey's second birthday! I can't believe he turned me into such a dog person! Even my mom and co-worker who aren't animal people admit that he is a irresistible. I made him some mini pupcakes last year, but given how much energy he burns by attending daycare three times a week, I figured protein would be a more suitable treat for him. Only on his birthday, will he get to share in our dinner food!

I have a favorite meatloaf recipe that I have made multiple times - using meatloaf mix or ground turkey, this recipe is a winner. This recipe yields a flavorful, moist meatloaf with the semi-firm texture that is just right. In order to make it safe for Bailey, I mix together all of the ingredients except for the onions and garlic. I then place his portion in individual silicon muffin liners before adding in the onions and garlic for us. I've also played around with a chipotle ketchup glaze and my spicy tomato jam.

Meat loaf adapted from Cooks' Illustrated

 
2 teaspoons cooking oil
1 medium onion , chopped medium
2 medium cloves garlic , minced
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 lb ground turkey or meatloaf mix: 1 lb ground beef chuck + 1/2 lb ground pork + 1/2 lb ground veal
2/3  cup quick oatmeal, or Saltine crackers , crushed (about 16), or or 1 1/3 cups fresh bread crumbs
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley leaves

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Heat oil in a skillet and saute the onion and garlic until softened, about 5 min.

3. Mix all of the ingredients together.

4. From into a loaf and place onto a baking sheet or place meat into a perforated meatloaf pan. Top with 1/4 of the glaze. Bake for 45 minutes before glazing again. Bake for another 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. Serve with remainder of glaze.

Glaze options: 

Brown Sugar Ketchup - 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 4 tsp cider vinegar

Chipotle Ketchup - 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 chipotle pepper chopped, 2 tsp adobe chipotle sauce, and 2 tsp cider vinegar

While the meatloaf is resting after being baked, heat the glaze over the stove until slightly thickened. Serve with the meatloaf.