Savory Meatloaf with Caramelized Onion Gravy

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Caramelized Onion Gravy:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

For the Meatloaf:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk, letting it soak for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef, eggs, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape into an even loaf.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

For the Caramelized Onion Gravy:

1. While the meatloaf is baking, heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized.
2. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually add the beef broth, whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and cook until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

To Serve:
Slice the meatloaf and drizzle generously with the caramelized onion gravy. Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.

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Classic Cherry Delight

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed

For the Cherry Topping:

• 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling

Instructions

Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Prepare the Crust:

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.

Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.

Make the Cream Cheese Layer:

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust.

Add the Cherry Topping:

Gently spread the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

Chill and Serve:

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the layers to set.

Broccoli and Shrimp Stir-Fry

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients:
   • Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
   • Blanch the broccoli by boiling it in water for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to a bowl of ice water to retain its color and crunch. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Broccoli:
   • Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Add the broccoli and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Make the Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey. Pour the sauce into the skillet, stirring to coat the broccoli.
   • If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Combine and Serve:
   • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine. Drizzle with sesame oil for added flavor, if desired.
   • Serve hot over cooked rice.