Cougar Pride! Fallston Meatloaf and Sides

Johhnycakes and I are both graduates of Fallston High School in Fallston, MD. In their infinite wisdom, the first group of students to attend the school in the late '70's chose the school colors orange, brown and gold (a cheer song just popped in my head) because it related to the "Fall" component of Fallston. Fortunately, this meal was definitely better than what the lunch ladies used to serve in the cafeteria lines.

As we served tonight's dinner, we were both struck by autumnal look to the meal. Since we are both boasting with pride for FHS, we both instantly thought of our old school colors. As you can see, this meal has a real Fall-like look to it. We both decided that Fall had officially arrived in our home. Until now the feeling had really been lacking. Perhaps the school colors are on our minds because my 10 year reunion is in a few weeks.

The cupboards are getting bare again but we were determined to eat at home tonight so we got a little imaginative.

Fallston Meatloaf

1 lb. lean ground beef

1 egg

1/2 cup apple butter

1/2 cup of bread crumbs

1/2 cup golden raisins

1 cup finely chopped white mushrooms

1 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Mix ingredients together until well blended. Fill a standard loaf pan with the mixture and bake for 45 minutes or until the meat reaches 180 degrees.

To round out the meal we baked a halved butternut squash for 45 minutes until soft and warmed some canned creamed corn.

I have to admit, Johnnycakes and I both went back for seconds which I usually try to avoid especially with a 10-year high school reunion fast approaching. Thanks to the seasonal and nostalgic feel to tonight's meal, I am now ready to start baking some pumpkin pies or something!