Valentine Mini Meatloaves

I have to admit I am not a fan of the "Meatloaf". I am always searching for a better recipe to try and eventually I came up with this recipe that I have tweaked to my liking. These are pretty little loaves for a home cooked meal on a special night. My husband travels a lot for work and prefers home cooked hearty meals because he eats out at restaurants so often (poor him - not!)

• 1 Tbs olive oil
• 1½ cups onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tsp dijon mustard
• 1½ tsp fresh marjoram, or ½ teaspoon dried, crumbled
• 1½ tsp fresh thyme, or ½ teaspoon dried, crumbled
• 2 lbs. ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1½ cups fresh bread crumbs
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, minced

Meatloaf Topping:

• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 Tbs bacon fat (can use olive oil mixed with smoke seasoning)
• salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

• 1 of each:
• mini carrot (parboiled)
• broccoli floret
• sliced baby bella

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.Heat the oil until moderately hot. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Set aside and let cool. 

Whisk the eggs, milk, mustard, onion/garlic mixure and all of the seasonings including the salt and pepper.In a large mixing bowl, combine the meats, egg-milk onion mixture, bread crumbs and parsley.

Using a large heart shaped cookie cutter, press meat into shape and form mini meatloaves. Place on deep cookie sheets or wide pan.Mix together the meatloaf  topping in a small skillet until just heated through and sugar is melted. Spoon onto each loaf and brush until spread evenly.

Top each mini loaf with one each of carrot, broccoli floret and mushroom. Brush veggies lightly with olive oil and sprinkler lightly with salt and pepper. 

Bake in oven for about 30-45 minutes, until glaze has set and meat is browned. Cook an additional 1o minutes at a time if meat is too rare.

ENJOY!

Note: Serve with additional veggies and a baked sweet potato!