Stephanie at Dispensing Happiness  is hosting another Blog Party#33 -this month’s theme is Diner Food. Here is my “Blue Plate Special” Appetizer of Mini Meatloaves and Tiny Baked Potatoes with Finger Sized Banana Cream Pie for dessert. For my cocktail it’s a “Cuppa Joe Kahlua Float” in an espresso cup.

Mini Meatloaves

• 1 pound ground turkey breast
• 1 pound ground chicken thighs
• 2 pounds ground pork
• 1 cup freshly ground sourdough breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1 large onion
• 3 clove garlic
• 1/3 cup tomato based “chili” sauce
• 2 Tablespoons barbecue sauce
• 2 Tablespoons rubbed sage
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
• 1/2 Teaspoon chili powder
• Catsup or Ketchup if you prefer for the tops

Whiz the bread in a food processor to make fairly fine crumbs. Add the onion and garlic and pulse until finely chopped into the breadcrumbs. Add the chili sauce and pulse until combined. Put the ground meat in a large bowl, add the eggs, bread crumb mixture and seasonings. Mix with clean hands using a light touch- in other words make sure everything is evenly distributed but don’t over work the meat by mashing it tightly.  Oil a 24 count mini muffin tin and a loaf pan. Scoop the meatloaf into the muffin tin within a 1/4 inch of the tops and fill the loaf pan. Top with a generous layer of ketchup/catsup. Place both on a baking tray to catch any overflow. Bake in a preheated 375F oven for an hour to an hour and a half (the loaf will take longer than the muffins) or until the juices are clear in the middle and the meat is thoroughly cooked. Internal temperature should exceed 165F. The ketchup/catsup will caramelize into a sticky tasty topping.  Let rest for a few minutes and serve.  They make great sandwiches the next day BTW.

Tiny Baked Potatoes

Scrub however many small red potatoes you wish and rub a little olive oil on their skins if baking in the oven. They can be cooked in the microwave. but the skin will not get crispy. Bake on the tray next to the meatloaves for 45 minutes to an hour or until easily pierced by a fork. Or microwave for 5-8 minutes depending on how many you are cooking at once. Split and top with salt, pepper, a dollop of sour cream and chives or whatever topping your prefer.

Finger sized Banana Cream Pie

Line mini tart pans with sweet pastry crust. Bake unfilled at 350 for about 7 to 8 minutes or until cooked and golden brown. Cool and remove from tins. Place a spoonful of Vanilla Pudding or Pastry cream and top with Banana slices and Whipped or Sour cream depending on your preference.

Cuppa Joe Kahlua Floats

In an espresso cup place a shot of espresso or some hot coffee. Add a shot of Kahlua and stir. You can have this without the alcohol if desired. Top with a cookie dough sized scoop or two of  Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.  Serve.

Thanks to Stephanie for hosting another great Blog Party! Check out everyone else’s dishes at the Roundup on Saturday!