Let Me Sleep On It (Baby, Baby, Let Me Sleep On It)

Yes, the title refers to that classic Meatloaf song Paradise by the Dashboard Lights and is an overly refential way to blog about....making meatloaf. Now, meatloaf is pretty simple to create even for a novice like me. The main reason I wanted to blog about it was to push a product called Blue Smoke Chef Sauce.

Blue Smoke Sauces and Salsas originate from my home state of West Virginia. The Greenhouse carries their line so I picked up the Chef Sauce as I was told that this tomato-based goodness makes several dishes, meatloaf for one, that much more flavorful.

I made the dish, which called for the entire bottle of Chef Sauce. It truly made for some killer loaf which I served with basmati rice and a salad of greens. Check out blue smoke at www.bluesmokesalsa.com.


Since I kicked this off on a musical note, I should mention two TV programs that generated some beautiful tuneage this week....

I am indeed a tried-and-true Gleek and the return of Glee does what so few shows do: it lived up to the hype. The marriage of show choir songs and Ryan Murphy's twisted sensibilities are a match made in television heaven. The return episode was witty(Jane Lynch was as subversively magnificent as ever), fun and featured some great songs...and we found out the mighty Mr. Schu can cook!

The other show that must be mentioned is Treme, HBO's new drama by David Simon set in New Orleans three months after Katrina. The premise of the show sounded as if it would be profoundly depressing and while it did not shy from the harsh realities of post-Katrina, the central theme is the hope and perseverence several residents hold on to in order to move forward. The show also does a masterful job of showcasing the culture that still permeates New Orleans. One young chef is desperately trying to keep her restaurant open despite hellish setbacks. Then there's the music....from the instantly unforgettable theme music to the second line performance of Feel Like Funkin' It Up to the haunting jazz funeral at the end, it's all wonderful and the soundtrack clearly will be a must-buy. All in all, it's an atmospheric and expertly performed look at a city that won't stay down.

As they say in NOLA, won't bow, don't know how.

Blue Smoke Meatloaf(the recipe is also on the Chef Sauce jar)

1 1/2 lbs. of ground beef
1 cup of dry bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
3/4 16 oz jar of Blue Smoke Chef Sauce

Combine all ingredients in large bowl; mix well. Place in 4 1/2 x 8 inch loaf pan. Top with remaining Chef Sauce. Bake at 350 F, 375 if loaf pan is metal. Makes six servings.