Beef Loaf. Mrs. J. J. Sloan. Recipe

Beef Loaf, also known as meatloaf, is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by many for generations. Its origins can be traced back to various cuisines around the world, with each culture putting its own unique twist on the recipe. In this recipe, we will be exploring Mrs. J. J. Sloan's version of Beef Loaf, which promises to be a delicious and satisfying dish for any occasion.

To begin, gather the following ingredients:

- Three and one-half pounds of lean beef, chopped
- Six crackers, rolled fine
- Three well-beaten eggs
- Four tablespoonfuls of cream
- Butter the size of an egg
- Salt and pepper to taste

Now, let's dive into the preparation process:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped lean beef, rolled crackers, well-beaten eggs, cream, and the butter (which should be softened or melted).

3. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Consider starting with a teaspoon each of salt and pepper and adjust as needed.

4. Use your hands to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This will help create a flavorful and cohesive loaf.

5. Once the mixture is well-mixed, shape it into a loaf shape and place it in a greased loaf pan. You can also line the loaf pan with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the loaf later on.

6. Put the loaf pan into the preheated oven and let it bake for approximately one and a half hours. It's essential to cook it thoroughly to ensure the beef is fully cooked and safe to consume.

7. After the suggested baking time has elapsed, remove the beef loaf from the oven and let it cool down to room temperature. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to slice.

8. Once the beef loaf has cooled, you can begin serving it by cutting thin slices. Beef loaf is traditionally served cold and is delicious on its own or alongside a variety of condiments such as ketchup, mustard, or cranberry sauce.

Now that you have successfully prepared Mrs. J. J. Sloan's Beef Loaf recipe, it's time to enjoy the savory flavors and comforting textures this dish offers. The combination of lean beef, eggs, cream, and seasonings creates a delicious and satisfying loaf that can be enjoyed as a main course or as part of a sandwich.

Fun fact: Did you know that meatloaf has been a popular dish since the Ancient Roman times? The Romans created a dish called "isicia omentata," which consisted of ground meat mixed with various fillers like bread soaked in wine. This dish was spiced with pepper, wine-soaked bread, and sometimes even pine nuts.

If you enjoyed making and eating Mrs. J. J. Sloan's Beef Loaf recipe, you may also be interested in exploring similar dishes from different cultures. Some popular variations include Italian-style meatloaf made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, or Scandinavian-style meatloaf that incorporates grated onion and nutmeg. Each variation offers its unique and delightful flavors.

Expand your culinary repertoire and savor the comforting deliciousness of beef loaf in its various forms. Happy cooking!