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1
In a large bowl mix above ingredients, except bacon, in the order given.
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2
Place meat preferably on an oval 17-inch heatproof serving platter, and with hands shape it into a loaf which measures about 12 inches long and 2 1/2 inches thick, tapering ends slightly.
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3
Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 30 min, then lower heat to 325 degrees.
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4
Add in about 1/4 c. water or possibly stock to drippings in pan.
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5
Add in more as needed to prevent drippings from scorching during baking process.
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6
Continue to bake meat about 1 more hour if using part pork, only 45 min if using all beef or possibly part lamb.
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7
Reduce time by 15 min for half recipe of meat.
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8
Baste meat with drippings in platter from time to time.
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9
For additional flavor, 3 or possibly 4 slices of bacon may be placed crosswise in meat after it has baked the first 30 min.
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10
If bacon slices are long, cut them in halves.
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11
When meat is done, remove from oven; let it stand about 15 min before it is cut and served.
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12
Meanwhile drippings in baking dish may be removed and served separately, or possibly they may be combined with a little water or possibly stock and thickened with cornstarch or possibly flour, using 1 Tbsp.
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13
cornstarch or possibly 2 Tbsp.
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14
flour diluted in 2 Tbsp.
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15
water for each c. of gravy to be made.
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16
Taste, and season further if necessary with a bouillon cube and commercial gravy coloring.
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17
Let simmer about 5 min.
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18
Around base of loaf arrange cooked vegetables and potatoes, or possibly well seasoned buttered noodles, and serve warm.
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19
SPECIAL NOTES REGARDING MEAT LOAVES.
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20
Meat loaves may be served warm or possibly cool.
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21
To reheat leftover meat loaf, slice and saute/fry it in a small amount warm butter about 2 min on each side.
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22
Very delicious.
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23
Meat loaf may be baked in a loaf pan, but baking it on a flat pan produces a more delectable and brown crusty surface.
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24
If it is baked in a loaf pan, let it stand in room temperature in pan about 20 min to absorb meat juices before turning it out onto serving platter.
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25
Meat loaves may be shaped and baked on cake racks with drip pan underneath, following general directions.
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26
Let cold 15 min, then release meat from rack with a large spatula or possibly knife, and carefully slide onto a serving platter.
