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Welcome to the new “What’s Cooking Cherokee County” monthly food column. I am thrilled to be your guide on a delicious journey through the world of culinary arts. As an experienced restaurant executive and chef with more than 40 years in the industry and a resume spanning 30 countries, I am enthusiastic about sharing my expertise and tips with all of you.
Each month, we will explore different dining ideas and recipes for you to recreate at home. From simple weeknight dishes to gourmet creations, I am here to inspire and excite your taste buds. But, more than that, I want this column to be a space for collaboration and engagement. What better way to bring a community together than through the love of food?
The history of bunny-shaped meat loaf
This whimsical twist on the traditional meatloaf has a fascinating history. The origin of Bunny-Shaped Meatloaf can be traced back to the mid-20th century when imaginative cooks began experimenting with creative ways to present their culinary creations.
Meat loaf, a staple comfort food, became the perfect canvas for whimsical shapes, reflecting the spirit of joy and festivity associated with Easter.
Now, let us dive into the recipe and discover the secret behind creating a bunny shaped meat loaf that will have everyone hopping with joy.
Meat loaf ingredients
- u 2 pounds ground beef.
- u 1 cup bread crumbs.
- ½ cup finely chopped onion.
- ½ cup finely chopped bell pepper.
- 2 eggs.
- ¼ cup milk.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- 2 small cherry tomatoes or olives (for eyes).
- 1 small carrot (for nose).
- Fresh herbs or lettuce (for garnish).
Meat loaf sauce ingredients
- ¾ cup ketchup.
- 1½ tsp white vinegar.
- 2½ tablespoons brown sugar.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper.
- ¼ teaspoon salt.
Meatloaf sauce
Mix all these ingredients together in a separate bowl. This meat loaf sauce is incredible as a glaze for the meatloaf with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the meatloaf ingredients. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly blended.
On the prepared baking sheet, shape the meatloaf mixture into the form of a bunny, using your hands to shape the body, head, ears and tail.
Bake the bunny-shaped meat loaf in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Add the sauce to cover the meatloaf completely. Cook for an additional 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Once cooked, remove the bunny shaped meat loaf from the oven and let it rest before adding the final additions.
Create the bunny’s face by placing the cherry tomatoes or olives as eyes and using a small piece of carrot as the nose.
Serve the bunny shaped meat loaf as the centerpiece of your Easter feast, delighting both the young and the young-at-heart.
Barry Cohen welcomes your thoughts, suggestions and feedback. Email him at barrycohen210@gmail.com.