Yes. Another event. I know. I have a problem and I'd like to say that I think I need a support group or 12 step plan or something, but, well, blogging is both of those for me. So, since this is my therapy, yes, I joined another group.
I think this one will be good for me though. It isn't about me baking more goodies and treats (thank goodness!!). It is about making some healthy meals, at least once a week, from a book that comes highly recommended by darling Leigh. So, since she hasn't steered me wrong before, I said I was in.
Watch for posts for the new event on Thursday's. Today is the first post and the event deet's can be seen at the group blog Craving Ellie In My Belly while I attempt to make some of the meals we eat a bit lighter and healthier. The Ellie in question is of course the darling Ellie Krieger and the cookbook is The Food You Crave: Luscious Recipes for a Healthy Life.
The rules are sweet and simple for this group so if you want to join in the healthy fun (if like me you are doing a lot of the sweet and not so healthy fun) then email Leigh with your info and grab the book.
This week's recipe was for Turkey Meatloaf. I'll tell you right off the bat that we didn't like it. Nothing at all against the recipe really, but it just isn't our cup of tea. First of all, I barely like regular meatloaf and only my recipe. I tried to doctor the recipe up a bit flavor wise with a little chipotle and honey (which I know I love with turkey) without affecting the nutritional value too much. Anyway, it was more of a texture thing for me. The flavor wasn't too bad, but I just really don't like ground meats all that much. I don't eat sausage either, so not too surprising. Anyway, don't let my little quirks stop you from trying this recipe if this is something you think you would like. Afterall, you never know unless you try.
To go with the meatloaf I made a dish of baked mashed sweet potatoes also flavored up a bit with honey and chipotle. I took a few shortcuts to try to make things a bit faster and I also made the meatloaf in mini loaf pans to make faster cooking individual sized portions. It didn't change the baking time too much, but it just makes the glazing a bit more pronounced which I know I like.
Anyway, if you are like me and need a bit of a boost to get cooking some healthy meals, then give this event a try. In the meantime, go see what the others thought of their turkey loaf.
Mom's Turkey Meatloaf
3/4 c. quick cooking oats
1/2 c. nonfat milk
1 medium onion, peeled
2 lbs. ground turkey breast
1/2 c. seeded and chopped red bell pepper (1/2 medium pepper)
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 c. ketchup
1/2 tsp. salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 8 oz. can no-salt-added tomato sauce
Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a small bowl, stir together the oats and milk and allow to soak while you get the rest of the ingredients together, at least 3 minutes.
Thinly slice one-quarter of the onion into rings and set aside. Finely chop the rest of the onion.
In a large bowl, combine the turkey, oatmeal mixture, chopped onion, bell pepper, eggs, Worcestershire, ketchup, salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Mix just until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish and shape into a loaf about 5 inches wide and 2 inches high. Pour the tomato sauce over the meatloaf and sprinkle with the sliced onions.
Bake until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 160 F, about 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let res for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
Variation: If the honey/chipotle flavor catches your imagination then just add the following to your meatloaf mixture: 3 Tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon chipotle pepper hot sauce or 2 teaspoons adobo. For the glaze combine the tomato sauce with 3 Tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon chipotle pepper hot sauce or 2 teaspoons adobo and whisk together well.
Baked Mashed Sweet Potatoes
1 large can sweet potatoes (29 0z), drained
2 Tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon chipotle pepper hot sauce or 2 teaspoons adobo, or to taste
freshly ground pepper
pinch of salt
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Beat together on medium-high until fairly smooth and well mixed. Put mixture into a buttered casserole dish and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes, until hot and lightly puffed.
I think this one will be good for me though. It isn't about me baking more goodies and treats (thank goodness!!). It is about making some healthy meals, at least once a week, from a book that comes highly recommended by darling Leigh. So, since she hasn't steered me wrong before, I said I was in.
Watch for posts for the new event on Thursday's. Today is the first post and the event deet's can be seen at the group blog Craving Ellie In My Belly while I attempt to make some of the meals we eat a bit lighter and healthier. The Ellie in question is of course the darling Ellie Krieger and the cookbook is The Food You Crave: Luscious Recipes for a Healthy Life.The rules are sweet and simple for this group so if you want to join in the healthy fun (if like me you are doing a lot of the sweet and not so healthy fun) then email Leigh with your info and grab the book.
This week's recipe was for Turkey Meatloaf. I'll tell you right off the bat that we didn't like it. Nothing at all against the recipe really, but it just isn't our cup of tea. First of all, I barely like regular meatloaf and only my recipe. I tried to doctor the recipe up a bit flavor wise with a little chipotle and honey (which I know I love with turkey) without affecting the nutritional value too much. Anyway, it was more of a texture thing for me. The flavor wasn't too bad, but I just really don't like ground meats all that much. I don't eat sausage either, so not too surprising. Anyway, don't let my little quirks stop you from trying this recipe if this is something you think you would like. Afterall, you never know unless you try.
To go with the meatloaf I made a dish of baked mashed sweet potatoes also flavored up a bit with honey and chipotle. I took a few shortcuts to try to make things a bit faster and I also made the meatloaf in mini loaf pans to make faster cooking individual sized portions. It didn't change the baking time too much, but it just makes the glazing a bit more pronounced which I know I like.
Anyway, if you are like me and need a bit of a boost to get cooking some healthy meals, then give this event a try. In the meantime, go see what the others thought of their turkey loaf.
Mom's Turkey Meatloaf
3/4 c. quick cooking oats
1/2 c. nonfat milk
1 medium onion, peeled
2 lbs. ground turkey breast
1/2 c. seeded and chopped red bell pepper (1/2 medium pepper)
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 c. ketchup
1/2 tsp. salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 8 oz. can no-salt-added tomato sauce
Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a small bowl, stir together the oats and milk and allow to soak while you get the rest of the ingredients together, at least 3 minutes.
Thinly slice one-quarter of the onion into rings and set aside. Finely chop the rest of the onion.
In a large bowl, combine the turkey, oatmeal mixture, chopped onion, bell pepper, eggs, Worcestershire, ketchup, salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Mix just until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish and shape into a loaf about 5 inches wide and 2 inches high. Pour the tomato sauce over the meatloaf and sprinkle with the sliced onions.
Bake until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 160 F, about 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let res for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
Variation: If the honey/chipotle flavor catches your imagination then just add the following to your meatloaf mixture: 3 Tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon chipotle pepper hot sauce or 2 teaspoons adobo. For the glaze combine the tomato sauce with 3 Tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon chipotle pepper hot sauce or 2 teaspoons adobo and whisk together well.
Baked Mashed Sweet Potatoes
1 large can sweet potatoes (29 0z), drained
2 Tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon chipotle pepper hot sauce or 2 teaspoons adobo, or to taste
freshly ground pepper
pinch of salt
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Beat together on medium-high until fairly smooth and well mixed. Put mixture into a buttered casserole dish and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes, until hot and lightly puffed.
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4 comments:
Yeah nothing against the recipe. I am not just not a meatloaf fan. I'd say if you like meatloaf, you'll like this healthier version. T liked it but I wasn't a huge fan. Maybe with your changes I'd feel differently?
/Clara
I really like your mini loaves. The sauce looks so much thicker and more delicious!
You DO have a blogging event addiction, don't you!!! :)
I actually love meatloaf, but it's one of the few meals that my husband hates. So I've only had it once in the last 3 years - and I'm guessing it will be another 3 years before he will eat it again!
It sure came out adorable, even if you turned your nose up at it. So with you on the texture thing, I really like the grond meat myself but if it had been a different texture... oof. You'll like next week's better I'm sure, and the page is all organized now!
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