Meatloaf With Italian Sausage

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 Johnsonville Italian sausage links (casings removed)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 spring onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup Cream Of Wheat hot cereal
• 1/2 cup milk
• dash Worcestershire sauce
• salt and pepper to taste
• 3 strips bacon, uncooked
• tomato ketchup

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

In large bowl, combine ground beef, sausage, egg, green bell pepper, onions, cereal, milk, Worcestershire, and salt and pepper.  Mix well.  Press into un-greased loaf pan forming a bread like loaf.  Place bacon strips across the top length-wise and drizzle with ketchup.

Bake for one hour or until cooked through.  Let stand for about 10 minutes before serving.

~ I've never made meatloaf with anything other than ground beef, so this was a nice change with loads of flavor from the sausage.  Bacon on top and ketchup are a tradition no matter what sort of meatloaf  I make.  Enjoy! ~

Cheesy Zucchini And Bacon Casserole

Ingredients

• 4 slices of bread, cubed
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 cups cubed zucchini
• 1 medium onion
• 6 spring onions, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 3 strips bacon, chopped

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In small frying pan, fry bacon to desired consistency and drain off grease.  Set aside.

Place bread cubes in a medium bowl and pour the melted butter over the bread, toss lightly.  Add zucchini, onion, garlic salt and egg, toss well.

Transfer mixture into covered baking dish and top with grated cheese and bacon.

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.  Remove cover and continue baking for another 20 - 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden brown.

~ Our first ever real vegetable garden is starting to give us the fruits of our labor and zucchini is one of those little goodies.  We picked the first two zucchini today and I wasn't sure what I wanted to make with it.  With a little thought and creativity, you can turn it into a delectable side dish even your kids will love.  I mean, really, who doesn't love cheese AND bacon?  Enjoy! ~

10 Bean Soup With Ham

Ingredients

• 3 cups ham (cubed)
• 16 oz. package of ten bean soup mix
• 2 celery ribs (chopped)
• 3 medium carrots (peeled and chopped)
• 1/2 medium sized yellow onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 3 bay leaves
• 4 medium sized potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 2 heaping tablespoons chicken soup base or bullion
• 3 strips of bacon (chopped and browned)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Soak beans in medium stock pot overnight according to bean package directions.

Add more water to beans until pot is about 1/2 to 3/4 full.  Add chicken soup base, bay leaves, onions, pepper, and garlic.  Allow to simmer on medium heat for about 2 - 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.  Add potatoes, carrots, celery, ham, and bacon.  Add more water if needed and continue to simmer for about another 1 - 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, or until veggies are tender.

~ This was tonight's dinner, and a hearty 2 day meal as well.  You can add more, or less of the vegetables I've listed, depending on how you like it.  If you prefer more garlic and onion, don't be afraid to add more.  I taste it as it simmers and make additions as well, such as more black pepper.  I'll be serving this with home made bread and/or crackers.  Great for chilly winter nights. ~

Fried Cabbage, Noodles, And Bacon

Ingredients

1 head of cabbage (chopped)
1/2 pound thick sliced bacon (chopped)
1/2 bag extra wide egg noodles
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 pound butter
1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

In large pot, boil egg noodles until tender, drain.  Chop bacon and brown with onion in large pot.  Chop cabbage and add to bacon and onions along with 1/2 pound of butter.  Cover and simmer until cabbage is tender, stirring often so the cabbage doesn't stick.  Add cooked noodles, remaining butter, and pepper.  Heat through and serve. 

~ This was one of my mother's favorites and inevitably mine as well.  Makes a great side dish in place of potatoes. ~

Calico Beans

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound thick sliced bacon
• 1 can pork and beans
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can lima beans
• 1 can butter beans
• 1 can garbanzo beans
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard

Directions

In large skillet, brown ground beef, drain fat and set aside.  Chop bacon and brown in smaller skillet, drain fat and set aside.  In large covered casserole dish combine remaining ingredients.  Do not drain liquid from canned beans, add them as they are.  Add ground beef and bacon.  Stir to combine.  Bake at 350 F for about an hour.

~ This makes a nice side dish to a simple dinner, such as grilled hamburgers, brats, hot dogs etc.  One of those set it and forget it dishes, easy and good! ~