Ingredients

2tsp dry mustard

2tsp paprika

1.5tsp salt

1.5tsp dried thyme leaves

1.5tsp dried basil leaves

1tsp black pepper

1tsp garlic powder

1tsp onion powder

.5tsp white pepper

8 slices bacon, cooked, diced

1.5cups chopped onion

1cup chopped bell pepper

1cup chopped celery

4 bay leaves

1cup tomato juice

.5cup evaporated milk

1.5lb ground beef

.5lb ground veal

2 eggs, lightly beaten

.5cup saltines crumbled, about 12 crackers

vegetable oil/cooking spray

Preparation

  • preheat oven to 350F

  • mix seasonings together, makes ~.25cups

  • saute onions in bacon fat

  • add green peppers, celery, bay leaves, 2tsp of the seasoning mix

  • cook ~5-6 minutes, stirring often

  • remove and discard all 4 bay leaves

  • mix tomato juice, milk, bacon, and cooked vegetables

  • gently combine meat, eggs, cracker crumbs in another bowl.

  • add the vegetable mix to the meat mix, stirring so as not to pack it tightly, but thoroughly incorporating.

  • spray a 13x9inch loaf pan or rectangle casserole dish with cooking spray.

  • mold the meat mixture into the pan.

  • bake 30 minutes, turn the pan, and bake another 15 minutes.

  • slice and serve.