Not Mom's Meatloaf

I really love my Mom's meatloaf but we seldom eat beef much these days, but I wanted a meatloaf we could enjoy. I was thinking chicken, but then changed my mind to turkey. After trying a few recipes from the internet with disappointing results I decided to make my own. They just seemed so tasteless, so how far off could I get? The results turned out pretty tasty, served along with a delicata squash casserole and garden salad, but even better next day in a pumpkin raisin sandwich. I will definitely make this loaf again, but will try it with chicken as well.



Country Turkey Meatloaf

2 TBLS unsalted butter
3/4 cup onion, minced
2 apples, unpeeled & diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp summer savory
1/4 tsp dried tarragon
3/4 cup fresh bread crumbs, cubed small
2 eggs, beaten lightly
2 TBL lemon zest
2 scallions, chopped
sea salt & white pepper
1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
1/2 cup cinnamon applesauce- I used my own
2 TBLS dry bread crumbs, unseasoned
1 TBLS light brown sugar

Melt butter in a large skillet and cook onion, apples and garlic, stirrring until soft and golden, about 10 minutes. Add tarragon and savory and mix. Allow to cool 15 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the apple mixture, fresh breadcrumbs,lemon zest, seasonings and eggs. Once all mixed, lightly pack into a 9 x 5 loaf pan. Spread top of loaf with applesauce. Combine dry bread crumbs with sugar and sprinkle over top. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 1 1/2 hour. Then turn up the oven to 425 degrees and cook 5 minutes more, until it had a nice golden brown crust.
Allow the cooked loaf to rest 10 minutes or so before slicing. Decide on your side dishes and enjoy!

My turkey sandwich was made on pumpkin raisin bread, greens and a honey mustard dressing. Yumma!