A Story of the The Pioneer Woman’s Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes

Now this a story all about how

my life got flipped turned upside down

and I’d like to take a minute

just sit right there

I’ll tell you how I…

oh wait, got carried away there. 

I was starting to say this is a story about how I made my first meatloaf.  But not just any meatloaf. P-Dub’s meatloaf.  And not just meatloaf.  P-Dub’s mashed potatoes too.

If I were really creative and hadn’t just spent 2.5 hours on dinner, I might tell this whole story to the tune of Fresh Prince instead of just the first sentence. 

In Fort Mill, South Carolina born and raised

On the playground is where they spent most of their days

Chillin’ out maxin’ relaxin’ all cool

 

Man, I am so tempted.

Must.

stop.

Ok, really, here we go.

Poor Ree’s cookbook.  I’ve owned it for weeks now and not one recipe had been tried.  So two recipes were flagged with pretty bright Post-it flags and off to the store we went at lunch today.

The ingredients waited patiently whilst I finished work.

I really did call the girls in from chillaxin’ outside.

They were all excited at first but soon I was peeling potatoes on my own.

It wasn’t long before those 5lbs of potatoes were peeled and cut.  They were set aside and awaited their boiling water bath.

Emma did sneak in when the parsley came out.

Did I mention I was wearing my cowboy boots for the occasion?  I felt a little more ranch-y.  Now I just need someone with some chaps.   Anyone?

The meatloaf was easy to put together.  Like super-duper easy.  The mincing of the parsley was the hardest part.  That is to say, not hard at all.  Just dump everything in a bowl. And smush.

It ends up looking like this.

But then you realize P-Dub asks you to bake it on a broiling pan.  Something you haven’t used in YEARS.

But don’t worry, family, it got cleaned and I lovingly shaped my first meatloaf.  And don’t worry, I’m not pregnant.  My apron just wasn’t tied tight enough.

Don’t get too excited and forget the bacon.

Ah, the bacon.

And the sauce.

The meatloaf was ready and I had a sudden need to take a  picture of my dog.  

She’s a little shy.

Or maybe terrified my camera was going to zap her into 2076.  This is not new.  We’re not really sure WHAT she is afraid of.

So then I decided to take a picture of the horses.

Much more compliant.  Just…not. pretty.

And it was time to put the potatoes together.

Except I realized I now needed a potato masher.  And I just knew I had it somewhere in there.

But it was not to be found.  Of course!  The one time I actually make potatoes, I can not find my masher.  Thank goodness for forks!  (Edward? Did someone mention Edward?)

We added in ALL THE FAT the potatoes called for and they got so thick I had to call for reinforcements.

Thank goodness for big strong men to stir your mashed potatoes. *ahem*

So we decided to do a quick taste test just to see how it was going.

And when the kids lick the bowl like it’s icing, you get a clue it’s on the right track.

And boy howdy, was it on the right track.

And then it was time.

The family gathered round.

Emma cleaned her plate.

(A still worried) Mattie finished cleaning a plate

Lexi begged me for more.*

*In full disclosure, she wasn’t begging for more

And we all called it full of win. The potatoes were creamy and smooth.  The meatloaf was moist and savory.  The bacon and red sauce were definitely the secret to the recipe.  Who knew bacon would be good with meatloaf?

Looks like tomorrow will be full of win too!  I’d suggest halving the potatoes unless you seriously have a ranch full of men to feed.

If there is a downside to this, it’s the time.  From the time I peeled my first potato to the moment we sat down was 1 hr 45 min.  Much longer than I’m used to.  But Ree suggests making the potatoes ahead of time and you could possibly get this down to a little over an hour.

In all seriousness, I adore Ree’s blog and her cookbook.  I only wish I could create such yummy recipes, beautiful photographs and lovely stories like her.

But for now, ‘yo homes smell ya later’.