Meatloaf, Double-Beatloaf, I...Love Meatloaf?

As I was flipping through the pages of Jessica Seinfeld's brilliant children's cookbook, I came across a recipe for turkey meatloaf I just knew G would love. As she is a fan of anything turkey, it's just a bonus that four slabs of bacon rest neatly atop this loaf. I am certain G had never tasted bacon before, as it caused quite the little reaction. About three chews in, she actually reached inside her mouth, pulled out the half chewed piece of bacon and offered it to me to try. She looked pretty surprised when I denied the gnarled bacon bit but she gladly put it back in her mouth to finish. Just in case you are wondering, yes, I do realize that I am the only one who finds this story adorable. The point is, although I would not know, apparently this recipe is delicious.

Italian Meatloaf

Adapted from:

Deceptively Delicious

by Jessica Seinfeld

In a large bowl, soak 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs in 1/2 cup non-fat milk. Saute 1/2 onion, finely chopped in 2 tablespoons olive oil for 7-10 min. Add 2 celery stalks, finely chopped and cook for 3-4 min. longer. Put the mixture into the bowl with breadcrumbs and add 1 pound lean ground turkey, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup carrot puree, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper and stir to combine. Put into a 9x5 inch loaf pan and smooth over the top with a spoon. Pour 1 cup tomato sauce over top and place 4 slices turkey bacon across the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes at 350 degrees.

Kid Tested, Nanny Approved

In my first ever blog post, I mentioned that G loves Turkey Meatballs. As an early Christmas present to anyone who loves meatballs, I thought I would share the recipe I use. I served these to G for dinner recently and after her first bite she turned to me and said, “mmm yummy, thanks!”

Turkey Balls

Adapted from:

First Meals
By Annabel Karmel

In a bowl, mix together 1 lb ground turkey, 1 onion finely chopped, 1 small apple, 3 tbsp bread crumbs, 1 egg, 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage or thyme, salt and pepper. Form walnut-size balls, coat in flour, and sauté in vegetable oil until golden brown all over. Transfer meatballs into a casserole, cover with tomato sauce and cook in a preheated oven set to 350 degrees for 20 minutes.