Wolfie’s Thursday night turkey meat loaf
1hour, 20 minutes. Serves 6 to 8
2 slices soft white sandwich bread, torn into small pieces ( about 2 cups) 1⁄2 cup milk 1 1⁄2 pounds ground turkey 2 eggs, lightly beaten 3⁄ cup grated 4 Parmigiano - Reggiano cheese 8 thin slices pancetta ( about 4 ounces), finely chopped 1⁄2 onion, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, pushed through a press 1⁄4 cup plus 1 tablespoon ketchup, divided 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or vin cotto, if desired 1 cup loosely packed fresh flat- leaf parsley, chopped 1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano 1⁄4 cup Italian- style dried bread crumbs 1⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper
1. Heat the oven to 500 degrees. Combine the bread and milk in a large bowl and soak for10 minutes. Add the turkey, eggs, cheese, pancetta, onion, garlic, 1tablespoon ketchup, balsamic glaze ( if using), parsley, oregano, dried bread crumbs, salt and pepper to taste. Mix well with your hands.
2. Shape into an 8- inch by 5- inch loaf and transfer to a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for15 minutes. Reduce the heat to 325 degrees and slather the remaining ketchup all over the top of the loaf. Bake until a meat thermometer inserted in the center of the loaf reads 165 degrees, about 45 minutes. Remove the meatloaf and set it aside to rest for10 minutes, then transfer to a platter and serve.
NOTE: Adapted froma recipe by Valerie Bertinelli in her cookbook, “One Dish at a Time.” She writes, “The memory is so vivid: I’m standing at the kitchen counter, mixing breadcrumbs, onions, ground turkey, cheese, eggs, and seasoning, while Wolfie sits at the kitchen table doing his homework. They’re some of the fondest memories I have of his childhood — and I’m certain half of America can relate to this scene. Back then, I relied on a repeated weekly menu, which is how this meat loaf earned its name. It makes excellent sandwiches the day after it is baked.” Balsamic glaze and vin cotto can be found in select gourmet markets aswell as online; to make balsamic glaze, gently simmer balsamic vinegar until it reduces to a syrup- like consistency.