Meatloaf

Meatloaf is one of the staples of American home cooking: a meatball baked in one piece, sliceable, with a ketchup crust.

1. Drizzle the milk over the breadcrumbs, and leave it to stand for a few minutes, until it soaks it up.

2. In a large bowl mix the two kinds of minced meat with the egg, the grated onion, the crushed garlic and the soaked breadcrumbs.

3. Salt and pepper it, add 2 tablespoons of ketchup too, then work it together thoroughly by hand.

4. Smooth the mixture into a loaf tin or baking tray, and shape it into a firm, even loaf.

5. Brush the top with the remaining ketchup – this gives a glossy, tasty crust while baking.

6. Bake it at 180 °C for about 50-60 minutes; it is right when the juices run clear.

7. Rest it for 10 minutes before slicing, or it falls apart at the cut.

Tip: Resting is the secret of nice slices – cut fresh and hot it still crumbles, but lukewarm it slices beautifully.