Italian Meatloaf

SUMMERTIME FUN

Summertime is filled with lots of fun things to do, but requires some planning.

Do you have a long weekend planned to visit family or friends?
Have you been wanting to just relax by a cozy campfire, listening to the crackling, popping and
sizzling noises?
Or how about that trip to the beach to build sandcastles, the kids have been bugging you about?
Maybe you just want to take a nice ride through the mountains, to appreciate the majestic views.
The one thing in common is, we all need to eat, right?  We want to spend more time enjoying the summer rather than cooking.

Here is a great summertime meal that can be turned into sandwiches, so many different ways.
Bake this meatloaf and take it along with your favorite variety of Three Bakers Bread.

I had so much fun creating, all these different sandwiches.  I was thinking, that each person has
different tastes.  I had to create ideas that everyone would enjoy.  They had to be simple and also
easy to prepare.  For instance, a slice of meatloaf can be heated in a skillet, topped with cheese and then covered for easy melting.  Onions and mushrooms can be prepped at home and packed in
little baggies.  Makes for easy sautéing, even over a campfire or gas grill.  Or, simply just bring
along a bottle of your favorite bbq sauce.  You know what your family likes, top it!




ITALIAN MEATLOAF

Meatloaf Ingredients:
6 slices Three Bakers 7 Ancient Grain Bread
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs, large
1/4 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup sweet onions, chopped fine
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped fine
1/3 cup grated cheese (I use Pecorino Romano)
1/2 cup each fresh parsley and basil, chopped fine
2 large garlic cloves, minced
salt and pepper, to taste
2 lbs ground beef, or other ground meat

Additional Topping Ideas:
BBQ Sauce
Cooked Egg
Avocado
Mozzarella Cheese
Arugula
Sautéed Onions and Mushrooms
Raw Red Onion

Directions:
1.  In large bowl add bread (broken up into small pieces.  Add milk and mix together.  Let sit for 15 mins for bread to absorb milk.
2.  Add remaining ingredients, except meat.  Fold together until all ingredients are well blended.
3.  Add meat.  Fold until well blended.
4.  Add greased baling dish.  (13 x 9 inch).  Bake in pre-heated 350 degree oven for approx. 45 mins, or until done.