Bob's Makes Retro Meatloaf

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...Meatloaf isn't glamorous, but like most of you who have raised, or are raising a family, I can make one in my sleep. I have at least a dozen recipes for loaves of one type or another. Some are fancy and can rival the finest of French pates, but this effortless creation is the one that I relied on when I was working and all the chairs around my table were still occupied. It is one of the few recipes in my collection that relies on a dehydrated soup mix.  I gave myself absolution for using it years ago and I'm unapologetic about its use in this particular recipe. It simply works better than fresh onions in this meatloaf. I suspect the recipe originally came from the Lipton's test kitchens, but I have not been able to verify that or identify who else might have been responsible for its creation. It you can fill in the blanks, please let me know so I can properly credit the source.  The loaf takes about 10 minutes to mix, and if you form it into mini-loaves as I have here, you can have dinner on the table in just a bit over 30 minutes. If you prefer to bake it as a single loaf, use a 9 x 5 x 2-inch loaf pan to form it, but turn it onto a baking pan to bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. The freestanding loaf allows all surfaces of the meatloaf to be glazed and helps keep it  from sitting in the drippings that are released as it bakes. This recipe will make 6 servings. It can be doubled or tripled if you are feeding a gang. This makes an nice entree for a family meal. I know those of you who try it will appreciate the ease with which this comes together. It's a great recipe to make in the kitchen of a vacation rental. Here's how the meatloaf is made.

Bob's Notes: If I can make this, so can you. Dinner tonight was meatloaf, baked potatoes and salad. It was pretty good. You can find the recipe here.

                    

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Bet You didn't Know That Lightening Can Strike Twice

Few among us actually believe we'll become a medical statistic, but there are times when the fates and furies coalesce and we find ourselves in a column of statistical anomalies. That has happened here and I wanted to explain why I have not been posting and why features here will be a bit different for the next 4 to 6 weeks. I have had a another retinal detachment, the second in seven years, and can't lift, bend, push or carry for the next month or so. That means I won't be doing a lot of work in the kitchen. Bob - the Silver Fox - has become chief cook and bottle washer around here and we are going to be posting the very simple recipes he feels comfortable preparing. To be honest, that we are posting at all is based on the need to feed the search engines that determine blog rank. They are merciless and don't care much for excused absences, so I do hope you all will bear with us. Things will eventually get back to normal.

I did, however, want to take this opportunity to tell you about retinal detachments. Most people know about heart attack and stroke symptoms, but few know the symptoms of a retinal detachment and the urgent need to get treatment should a detachment occur. Failure to seek out proper care can lead to blindness. The symptoms of a retinal detachment include flashes of light, an increase in floaters, or a dark curtain that forms across your field of vision. Other symptoms include holes in your visual field, peripheral vision loss, and wavy lines. If you have any of these symptoms, especially if you are nearsighted, had cataract surgery or corneal transplants, see your eye doctor immediately.

The overall chance of having a detached retina is 1 in 15,000. Some sources indicate the chances are 1 in 10,000. That works out to 25,000 retinal detachments in the U.S. every year. 40 to 50 % of retinal detachment patients are nearsighted/shortsighted (myopic) and 5% of very nearsighted people (over 6 Diopter correction) will experience a retinal detachment in their lifetime.

There are no preventive techniques, so it is really important that you speak with a skilled ophthalmologist if you have any of the symptoms we've talked about or you are a member of a high-risk population. Most retinal tears and detachments can be repaired if they are found early enough. Hopefully, forewarned is forearmed. As for me, I am a tough old bird, and, so far, things are progressing normally. Like Arnold, "I vill be back!" Hugs and blessings...Mary

Dips and Spreads for Super Bowl Sunday

Next Sunday is the big game day. I thought a reprise of these well-received recipes was in order. Any one of these dips or spreads would be perfect for your family and guests. They are all easy to make and I guarantee they are delicious. They are so simple that there's still have time to make and enjoy them with your family and friends this afternoon. Without further here are some of my favorite quick dips and spreads.

Light and Chunky Clam Dip

Menu for the Week of January 25, 2015

Weekly Menu at One Perfect Bite...