Meat Loaf with Cheddar Scone

It used to take me all afternoon to make a batch of cookies and I'd think that's a pretty productive day. This afternoon, without really thinking about it, I made a batch of Oatmeal Cinnamon Date cookies, a batch of Cheddar Scones and a meatloaf. Potatoes and Brussels sprouts too of course and all without breaking a sweat. I finally conquered my kitchen. 

This scone recipe is really easy, fast and versatile. Simply substitute dates or raisins or currants or whatever you like for cheddar and create a completely new taste. It makes six portions so they are always fresh because they aren't around long.

Scones - Cheddar - Preheat oven to 425F

1 1/4 cup flour

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

mix

1/4 cup butter

Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the butter into the flour mixture till it is oatmeal texture.

2 tbsp sugar

1/2 cup grated cheddar

1/3 cup milk

Use a fork to mix the milk into a dough, break up big lumps. Get the milk as evenly mixed as possible. Don't work the dough or it will become tough. Instead, gather and press into a ball. Keep pressing till all the mixture is taken up. As you press, the milk will permeate the dough. You can add a teaspoon extra milk if needed but don't make the dough wet. Press the ball into a disc about 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick, cut into 6 wedges. Bake in oven centre 12-14 minutes. Wetter take longer. 

Meatloaf - Not my best one - oven to 325F

700gm gr. beef

1 breakfast sausage - this was a mistake

1 tsp ground garlic

1 tbsp onion flakes

1 tsp salt

peppper

1 tsp dried thyme

1/4 cup bread crumbs

Break up the sausage into small pieces and work it into the beef as evenly as possible. Make sure all ingredients are well mixed. Form into a loaf and put a sprig of rosemary on top. Insert a meat thermometer into the centre about 2/3 from the bottom. Bake till centre is 160F.

The potatoes were boiled and finished with salt and butter. The sprouts were steamed, cooled and reheated in olive oil.

The breakfast sausage didn't break down into the beef it stayed in small lumps. Not at all delicious. I think that ruined everything else the loaf could have been. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. The rest of the plate made up for it. The cheese scone tasted great with the rest of the plate and finished off the meal wonderfully.