Meat Loaf

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

2. Step 2

   Heat the butter in a heavy kettle and add the onions, green onions or scallions, carrots, celery, red and green peppers and garlic. Cook, stirring often, about 10 minutes, or until all the moisture from the vegetables has evaporated. Let stand until cool. Refrigerate until chilled.

3. Step 3

   In a mixing bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, cayenne, white pepper, cumin, nutmeg and eggs. Beat well and add the ketchup and half-and-half. Blend thoroughly.

4. Step 4

   Add the chuck, sausage and bread crumbs.

5. Step 5

   Add the chilled ingredients and mix thoroughly with the hands. Knead for a considerable period of time.

6. Step 6

   Select a baking dish that will fit neatly and compactly inside a slightly larger baking dish. Pour boiling water into the larger pan and bring the water to the boil.

7. Step 7

   To shape the meat loaf, dampen the fingers and palms of the hands. Put the meat mixture into the smaller pan and shape it into an oval-shaped loaf resembling a long loaf of bread and measuring approximately 17 by 4½ by 1½ inches.

8. Step 8

   Set the smaller pan inside the larger pan over the boiling water. Place in the oven and bake 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the water bath. Let the meat loaf rest outside the oven for 20 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve sliced.