Modern Meatloaf

Meatloaf sandwiches tomorrow!
Swap in ground turkey and minced mushrooms for the pork-veal combo usually added to ground beef in meatloaf.   The result is meaty with a sophisticated and smooth mushroom undertone.  A sweet-spicy glaze is baked on with a bacon topping.   This is close enough to the original to please traditionalist but modern enough for the trendsetters at your table.

Meatloaf with Mushrooms
Serves 6-8

Ingredients
2 cups mushrooms
2/3 cup ground oats (oat flour) or bread crumbs
½ cup plain yogurt (buttermilk or pain milk can be substituted)
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon ketchup
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot sauce
1 teaspoon marjoram (or thyme)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 pound ground turkey (lean)
1 pound ground beef
1 egg
5-6 slices bacon or pancetta

For the Tomato-Maple Glaze:
¼ cup ketchup
2 teaspoons chili sauce
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon brown sugar

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350˚F. In a large mixing bowl combine oats and yogurt.  Mix in next seven ingredients, mustard through black pepper.   
2. Using a food processor, finely chop mushrooms.  Stir mushroom into mixture.   
3. Now, add ground turkey, ground beef and egg.  Using a large fork or your clean hands, mix until well combined.   Mixture will be fairly wet.  
4. Tasting: Scoop a small amount, about a tablespoon, into the microwave-safe dish and cook one minute until completely cooked.  Taste for seasoning.  If more salt is needed, add in ¼ teaspoon increments and retest mixture by cooking a small amount again.  
5. When satisfied, place mixture in a loaf pan or mold into a free-form mound on a foil-lined rack.  You can make one large or two smaller meatloaves. (Poke a few holes in the rack for drainage.)  
6. Brush generously with tomato-maple glaze and cover top with bacon.  
7. Bake meatloaf one hour, until cooked through.  The meatloaf is done when a meat thermometer in the middle of the meatloaf reads 165˚F.  Run the meatloaf under the broiler for a minute or two if the bacon is not yet crisp enough.  
8. Remove from oven and allow meatloaf to rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.

The Bacon Version

Elegant Life Leftovers
Meatloaf sandwiches are good hot or cold.  Pick one these great add-ins to build a special lunch:

• Horseradish & mayonaise
• sliced avocado & chopped lettuce
• "Grilled Cheese" with thin slices of meatloaf layered between cheese slices
• Soft caramelized onions or crunchy onion rings
• Cole Slaw & barbeque sauce

Thinly sliced meatloaf can be served with slices of warm baguette, pickled onions, cornichons, Dijon mustard and a small cheese platter.