CLASSIC MEAT LOAF

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• In large skillet heat butter until melted and foaming. Add onions and celery. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook three minutes, being careful not to brown.
• Sprinkle thyme over onion mixture. Rub garlic and pinch of salt into paste; add garlic. Cook and stir until onions are tender and translucent. Stir in grated carrot; remove from heat. Cool completely. Meanwhile, soak bread in half-and-half. Lightly beat eggs.
• In large mixing bowl combine ground meats, bacon, cooled vegetables, and bread crumb mixture. sprinkle the 1-3/4 teaspoon of salt and the pepper. Using hands, mix until well blended.
• Turn mixture into rectangular baking dish. Using hands, shape into a 9x5 inch loaf. Make shallow indentation around sides.
• For Ketchup Topping: Combine ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. Spoon over top of loaf. Bake on middle rack for 1 hour or until meat thermometer reaches 155°F Let rest 10 minutes.