Sibling Rivalry - Our Childhood Favorites!

Life is hectic, exciting, joyful, disappointing, strange and unpredictable. Life is all of these things sometimes even all in the same day!  There are certain things that can bring us back to our happy place, a movie, a song, talking to your sister on the phone and most of all food.  Devouring an old childhood favorite can take you back to a place that makes it all okay, it can bring comfort and it can put a smile on your face. As sisters we have always had different tastes and sensibilities. Tabasco, more Tabasco, spicy, salty that is Vanessa's mantra.  On the other hand, with Andrea, it's all about sweet, creamy, sugary, cheesy indulgence. Two sisters, two completely different tastes, two completely different childhood favorites, C'est la vie!

Madigan's Fiery Meatloaf
Developed, Tested and finalized by: Vanessa Madigan

I am a loyal girl, always have been.  I am fiercely loyal to my family, friends, sports teams and yes even to my dinner of choice.  My dinner of choice is always and has always been Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy and Peas period, end of story.  My mom would ask on birthdays, days of personal accomplishment or days when I just needed to feel special, what would you like for dinner? My answer was always the same.  Meatloaf has been maligned of late and I must say it makes me sad.  Meatloaf is the perfect dinner, it is filling, tasty and makes great left overs.  How could Elvis and I be wrong? The answer, we're not.  Meatloaf is king and here is my very own recipe that I have adapted from my mothers plain old delicious, magnificent meatloaf!







Ingredients:
2 1/2 Lbs ground beef.
1/2 Cup Thick Cut peppered bacon, chopped.
1 medium finely chopped Onion
1/2 cup diced fresh Jalapeno, about 3 Jalapenos. ( I keep the seeds in, for heat.  If you prefer a milder version remove the seeds)
1/2 cup ketchup
2 eggs
3/4 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
2 teaspoon salt
2 garlic cloves crushed
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 Tablespoons Tabasco sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons black pepper


Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• In a medium size skillet, cook bacon until crisp.  Once bacon is crisp add chopped onion, jalapeno and finally the garlic.  Saute for several minutes on medium until onions are translucent. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature,
• Place ground beef in a large bowl and add the 2 eggs, salt, pepper, Tabasco, Worcestershire, bread crumbs, Parmesan, chili powder and ketchup. Mix thoroughly, its okay you can use your hands!
• Add the cooled bacon, onion and jalapeno bacon fat included and mix again until well blended.
• Place mixture in a baking dish and shape into a loaf.
• Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

For an added kick, drizzle with Sriracha or Tabasco before serving.

Serves 6.




Welsh Rarebit
Developed, Tested and finalized by: Andrea Madigan-Wilken

From a young age I was introduced to a variety of foods that other children were either unaware of or hesitant to try.     For that I am truly grateful. Thanks mom. When given the task of choosing a single favorite meal from my childhood, Welsh Rarebit takes top honors. All in all, your childhood favorite’s almost always have a way of becoming your grown-up comfort foods. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

½ stick of butter

¼ cup of all purpose flour

1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 loaf sliced French bread (toasted)

Salt and pepper to taste

3 slices bacon (crispy and crumbled)

2 cups half and half

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

• Melt butter in saucepan on med. High. Add flour.
• Let mixture cook and bubble until raw flour taste is gone. Approx. 2-3 min.
• Lower heat to medium. Add half and half and whisk until smooth.
• Add salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly.
• Turn off heat and add cheese.
• Serve warm with toast for dipping.
Enjoy.