Thursday, March 31, 2011

An April Fool's Day Dinner

Mmmmm cake, scrumptious cake, delicious cake, tasty cake. Now who here wouldn't love a big fat slice of cake for dinner: I know a certain toddler in my house that would not only raise her hand, but her legs, other arm, and little eyebrows to have cake for dinner. Well, I figured, it's only ONE day and why not let her eat cake until her little belly is full for one meal?  Now before all of you start sending me condolences for dealing with a sugar high child before bedtime on the 1st of April, let me whisper in your ear a little secret ;) It's a meatloaf cake hehehe. Yep, tasty homecooked meatloaf with rich and creamy mashed taters.



The construction is relatively easy. First assemble 3 pounds ground beef or turkey burger and blend together the following:

1 medium onion diced
2 celery stalks diced or 1 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1 cup cooked quinoa or 1 cup gluten free oats
2 eggs
1 1/4 cups tomato sauce
1 1/2 teaspoon parsley
1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt (or more if you like it a bit salty ;)

Preheat your oven to 350.

Then blend it all together with your hands to distribute the ingredients well.

Next spoon then spread half of the meatloaf in a round cake pan. Try to get it as flat and even as you can then bake the meatloaf in the middle rack in the oven for 35 minutes. As the pan is half the height of a regular loaf pan, you won't need to bake it nearly as long.

Once the meatloaf is baked, remove from oven (like you wouldn't have known to take it out already hehehehe), then carefully remove it with two spatulas onto a plate, then place meatloaf in the freezer. Then repeat the process with the remaining meatloaf mixture. Place other loaf into the freezer and allow to chill.

Now prepare yourself about 2 cups worth of mashed potatoes.

When both meatloaves are cooked and chilled (for about 20 minutes) cut the edges so they are even and straight. Then place the first loaf top side down (so the bottom edge is on top as it's flatter and will have a better crisper edge). Then get about 1/4 cups worth of ketchup and spread an even layer. Then place the remaining loaf topside down (just like you would a cake, duh, I know).

Next, spread the mashed taters on the "Cake Loaf" with a rubber spatula. I just have to mention, I loved using mashed potatoes as icing. They behave MUCH better than regular icing, it was almost like using molding clay.


When your cake is iced to perfection, it's time to embellish your lovely cake with whatever tickles your pickle. I used grape tomatoes sliced in half and edamame. Really though, use your noggin and have fun with it!

That's all folks! Enjoy and have a wonderful prank filled April Fools :)

3 comments:

  1. OMG Jill! This is the coolest, neatest most deliciously deceptive April Fool's food ever!! Genious! I'm just smiling ear to ear! Love it!! It actually looks soooo tasty too, Bravo you!!!
    I can't wait to finally meet you next week ;) Happy April Fools!!! ~Shar

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  2. Yay! I am SO glad you liked it :) I had so much fun putting it together. I even bamboozled the kiddo. Kass wanted a taste of the frosting. When I gave her a bite, she looked at me and said "MOM, that's mashed potatoes! Your SUPPOSED to use frosting. DUUuuuuuh", I ALMOST felt bad breaking her heart like that ;)

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  3. Your "cake" is adorable! Love the way you decorated it with veggies. Thanks for sharing.

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