Recipe(tried): Household Chores Day. Zesty Meat Loaf, Rustic Potatoes Au Gratin (crock pot), Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

For today I am planning to replenish my sources of my favorite rub ( Sweet and Smoky Rub)previously posted and a big batch of Sofrito, for everyday use. Therefore I plan on cooking something easy and nourishing, and that will provide sufficent leftovers for the casual visit of friends on FRIDAY.

ZESTY MEAT LOAF
6-8 servings

2 lbs lean ground beef or a mixture of beef and ground pork, very lean
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped red pepper (pimento)
1 medium carrot, peeled and shredded
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup Bottled Thousand Island Dressing

Combine all ingredients. Mix thoroughly. Form the mixture into a loaf and place in a greased shallow pan. Bake uncovered in a preheated oven (350 F for 1 hour or until done). from BEST MAIN DISHES by Helen Dollaghan 1980

RUSTIC POTATOES AU GRATIN
from BEST LOVED SLOW COOKER RECIPES
Serves 6-8

1/2 cup milk
1 can condensed Cheddar cheese soup
1 package cream cheese softened
2 garlic cloves (or to taste)well minced
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp black pepper (ground)
2 lbs baking potatoes, peeled and sliced (you can leave the peel on, by washing the potatoes thoroughly before slicing)
1 small onion, thinly sliced
Paprika

Heat milk in small saucepan until small bubbles form around edge of pan. Remove from heat. Add soup, cheese,garlic, nutmeg and pepper. Stir until smooth. Layer 1/4 of potatoes and 1/4 of onion in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with 1/4 of soup mixture. Repeat layers 3 times, using remaining potatoes, onion and soup mixture. Cover and cook on Low for 7 hours or until potatoes are tender and most of liquid is absorbed. Sprinkle with Paprika if desired.

I will also prepare a nice green salad with Mezclum (store bought package already cleaned), sliced fresh mushrooms (well cleaned), sliced fresh strawberries, chopped onion (a small one, chopped red pimento, crumbled Feta, pine nuts and a wonderful Vinaigrette adding 1 tb molasses, about 1 tb, Balsamic Vinaigrette,1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive oil, chopped cilantro, chopped fresh basil, a pinch of salt and ground pepper., 1 tb Worcestershire sauce, 2 crushed garlic cloves and a pinch of mustard (prepared). Correct seasonings and toss with the salad. Delicious!

Buen Provecho y buen fin de semana! (Happy week end to everybody)

Gladys/PR