Take Me Home, West Virginia

Our Staycation continues and brings us to West Virginia, home to the world's first brick street.  It is considered the southern most northern state and northern most southern state...so which is it?  Either way, West Virginia is the only state in the USA to have acquired its sovereignty by proclamation of the President.  It is home to the first federal prison exclusively for women, the worlds largest sycamore tree, and the first 4-H camp in the USA.  It has the oldest population of any state - the median age is 40!

West Virginia is the first state to have a state sales tax, and as of 1997, has the lowest crime rate in the country.  It also had the first iron furnace, and one of the first suspension bridges in the world.  West Virginia was the first state to have outdoor advertising, the first electric railroad, and the only residence in the world built completely out of coal.  West Virginia was also the first state to have an African American woman to become a member of a legislative body in the United States!

West Virginia Meatloaf:

For the meatloaf:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef

1 slice bread (broken or chopped finely)

1 egg

1 small Vidalia onions or 1 small type sweet onion - finely chopped

1 teaspoon table salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

4 tablespoons ketchup

1/2-2/3 cup milk

 

For the sauce:

4 tablespoons apple cider

2 -4 tablespoons dark brown sugar, packed firm

1/2 cup ketchup    

 

Add the meat to a mixing bowl,

 

Add onions,

 

Bread,

 

Egg,

 

Ketchup,

 

Salt,

 

Pepper.

 

The next step would be to put mixture in a loaf pan.  Here is what I use - it is a meatloaf pan.

 

Here it is shown separated,

 

It does a great job of allowing the grease to drain rather than building up on the bottom and sides.

 

 

Next, grab a small bowl, add in vinegar,

 

Brown sugar,

 

Ketchup.

 

Mix well.

 

Add to top and sides of the meatloaf.

 

 

Bake at 350°F about 1 hour or until done.

 

Let rest 10 minutes.

Slice and ENJOY!

 

 

 

TIP:  This dish can be prepared ahead of time.  Cook with foil on for 30 minutes, remove, and cook for another hour or until done.