DREAM LOAF

1/2 stick butter
1 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
1/4 cup sliced green onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup canned beef broth
1 Tb. Worcestershire sauce
1 Tb. hot sauce
1 Tb. soy sauce
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 lb. ground pork
1/2 lb. ground veal
1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
3/4 cup saltine cracker crumbs
1/2 cup ketchup
6 slices bacon

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. When it foams, add onions, bell pepper, green onion and garlic. Cover and cook 5 minutes. Uncover and cook, stirring often, another 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Position rack in middle of oven and preheat to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, pepper sauce and soy sauce until well blended. In a large bowl, combine meats with onion mixture, egg mixture, cheese and cracker crumbs. Mix thoroughly. Transfer meat mixture to shallow baking dish and shape into a loaf about 3 inches thick; smooth with back of a spoon. Spread ketchup over the top and arrange bacon slices atop ketchup. Bake for about 1 1/2 hours or until an instant-reading thermometer inserted in the center registers 160 degrees. Let loaf stand on rack for 10 minutes before serving. Makes 6-8 servings.