Oops! I did it again!

Confession: I Hate Meatloaf

I do hate meatloaf, usually.  Growing up on a cattle ranch, let's just say we ate a whole lotta anything and everything that can be made out of ground beef.   Meatloaf is not on my top ten list, but cheese is!  So if you hate meatloaf (like I do) this is the recipe for you!  I still hate meatloaf, with the exception of this one recipe.  But then, it's not really meatloaf.  It's just cheese wrapped in meat, so more like a treasure hunt. 

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf - from Buns in the Oven

compliments of Wendy

1.5 lbs ground beef

2 large eggs, beaten

3/4 cup dry bread crumbs

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp basil

1 tsp garlic salt (or 1 minced clove of garlic)

1/4 cup dried minced onion

1 can diced tomatoes, drained (or 1 can tomato sauce)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

A prayer and a pinch o' love

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients but cheese.  Mix thoroughly.  Put mixture on waxed paper and press flat into a 9x12 inch rectangle. Layer shredded cheese on top of rectangle, leaving approximately 1/2 inch around the edges.  Roll from the short end, jelly roll style.  Seal the ends and place on a rack in a baking dish.  Bake at 350 for 1 hour or until done.

Have a Droopy Birthday, It's Good for the Morale.

Happy birthday to one of The Girls! I wish there was a witty rationale for the Duck Cake, but there isn't.  I'm not trying to imply the birthday girl is an ugly ducking.  She's not.  She's cute and ducks are cute, and it's a fun pan that I haven't used in several years.  I used the yummiest gooiest icing you'll ever taste, if you're in the market for yummy gooey icing!

Snow Peak Frosting

1 1/4 cups white corn syrup

2 egg whites at room temp.

pinch salt

1 tsp vanilla

A prayer and a pinch o' love

Heat syrup until boiling. Mix egg whites on high with electric mixer until "peaks" form. Add salt. Slowly pour in syrup, continuing to beat until frosting is fluffy and hangs from beater in "peaks."  Fold in vanilla.  Dye is preferred.  This icing is best served fresh.

It wasn't long before our poor little duck began to age.  Is this a bad omen for the birthday girl? I sure hope not!  Duckie did not age well.

 A little reconstructive surgery and our birthday girl was happy. 

Gnat's Famous Potato Soup

There's nothing to say about this soup. Just make it. It's that good.

Gnat's Homemade Potato Soup - from Buns in the Oven

6 potatoes, peeled and cut into bite sized pieces

2 onions, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

2 stalks celery, sliced

6 chicken boullion cubes

1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes

4 cups water

1 tablespoon salt

1/3 cup butter

pepper, to taste

8 ounces sour cream

finely chopped chives

shredded cheese
a prayer and a pinch o' love

Combine all ingredients except sour cream, chives, and cheese in pot and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes tender, approximately 20 minutes.  Stir in sour cream during final 10 minutes.  If desired, mash some or all of the potatoes before serving.  Garnish with chives and shredded cheese.

Crockpot - combine all ingredients and cook on low 10-12 hours, or high 3-4 hours.  Stir in sour cream during final 30 minutes.  Garnish as above.

While you're at it, make the best homemade buns ever to go with it. You won't be sorry.  

 












No Knead Buns - from 4H Favorites

in memory of Sally Froland, Leader, Czar Metiskow Beef Club

5 cups warm water

3/4 cup sugar

2 tbsp yeast

2 eggs, beaten

3/4 cup cooking oil

1/8 cup salt

12 cups flour
a prayer and a pinch o' love

Dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water.  Let rise 15 minutes. Mix eggs, oil, and salt well, then add to yeast mixture.  Add flour.  Let rise 1.5 hours.  Make into buns and let rise again for 1.5 hours.  Bake at 325-350 for 15 - 20 minutes until golden brown. Yields 54 buns.