Let’s talk winter comfort foods and family memories. Remember this little teaser from last month?
That’s right. I’ve been using My Happy Planner for just over two weeks now. Talk about your sweet sauce! I’m tracking bills and budget, appointments, social media sharings, and the greatest of great, holiday gatherings. Of course, the first and most important reason was the great recipe organizer. How many people does this make happy?
I’m pretty sure Jacqueline will try to steal my chili recipe once we get to Blue Ridge. [Don’t tell her, but I think I’ll sleep with it under my pillow for safe keeping. The planner. Not the chili.]
But enough about that. Today, we’re talking winter comfort food. Today, we’re talking easy. Today, we’re talking meatloaf.
I mean, doesn’t the word itself conjure up happy memories of family mealtimes, maybe a potluck or party? Meatloaf is my happy place. I can make it nine ways to Sunday, and then some. And to prove that statement, I intend to give you a dozen meatloaf recipes in 2017. Yup, that’s right. I’m gonna haul my cart over to Winco, grab some grub gear, and make y’all some of the best meatloafs you’ve had in years. One each month. How do you like them apples? Eww. No. I’m not putting apples in the meatloaf. It’s a phrase, people. Just a phrase. Although . . .No. No apples in the meatloaf. Moving on.
Today’s recipe was inspired by my Magic friend, Hobbes. No, he’s not magical. Well, he is kinda special. He’s one of my gaming buddies. You know. Magic: The Gathering. [Yes. I know. I’m a nerd. We’ll discuss that some other time.]
Hobbes is kinda talented when it comes to building good gaming decks, and since I needed a deck I could assault Aaron with, let’s say I made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. He’d organize my cards and I’d let him live feed him properly. Being the overly perfectionist attentive host that I am, I made sure to ask if he had any allergies, and what his fave foods are. He came back with a combination of chicken recipes and Mexican flavors, and also mentioned meatloaf and potatoes. So, voila! [Side note: When I was a kid, I always thought that was viola, as in, a mini violin. Maybe it made a high-pitched screech that got everyone’s attention, and that’s how the word came about? Apparently not. But now you know I wasn’t always the wordsmith I pretend to be present myself as am.]
So. Uhm. Yes. Voila! Say hello to Hobbes’ Mexican Chicken Meatloaf.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup (apprx) Fritos chili-cheese chips
- 1 can (4 oz.) diced green chilis, drained
- 1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced seasoned tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 packet taco seasonings
- 2 eggs
- milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Crush Fritos chips in small bowl. Add just enough milk to cover. Set aside.
- In large mixing bowl, add ground chicken, green chilis, tomatoes, eggs, and 1/4 packet taco seasonings. Mix thoroughly.
- Add Fritos. Mix.
- Shape into loaf pan.
- Top with remaining taco seasonings.
- Bake 50-60 minutes.
Notes
Using chicken instead of ground beef makes this a healthier alternative to some other meatloaf recipes. Two eggs will help bind the loaf together for presentation, but doesn't affect the taste. Use just enough milk to soften the corn chips.
Did you ever think of using ground chicken instead of beef in your meatloaf? Well, now you have. You’re welcome.
Dice up a few potatoes, spritz with olive oil and season with dill or kosher salt, and you have a perfect side dish.
And here’s your bonus holiday food hack: Drop a half-cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts (or both!) into your banana bread batter for a delightful dessert.
Now it’s your turn: What are some of your favorite meatloaf dishes?
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
It sounds spicy.
My mother preferred to make an Italian style meatloaf that I liked.
William Kendall recently posted..Just What Is The Moggy Anyway?
I love Italian flavors. That’s on my list for late summer 2017, I think. Maybe we’ll trade cooking tips.
Molly Jo recently posted..New Year, New Words