Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

I'm just going to come out and confess:  I created these out of desperation.

Cora wants to feed herself now, which is great... except for the fact that she has a whole whopping 6 teeth - none of which are molars and she can't effectively use a fork or spoon.  So, when I went searching for "easy toddler foods" and meatloaf popped up, I was inspired!  Stan does not like traditional meatloaf, so I knew I had to get creative if it would be a successful family meal.  I dug out my Joy of Cooking book and read the section on meatloaf.  I used quick cooking oats instead of bread crumbs and followed their suggestions for how much meat/wet/dry ingredients.  Then I tossed them in muffin liners for a fast weeknight meal - only 20 minutes cook time!

These are a HUGE success.  Not only does Cora love them, but so does the rest of the family.  Win!!!  They are savory, with the rosemary and sweet, with the cherries.  Like the perfect bite of Thanksgiving dinner. Hope you enjoy them just as much as we do.

Mini Turkey Meatloaf 


Makes approx. 20, Serving = 3 (adult)

2 lb ground turkey
3 large eggs, beaten
1 c cherry preserves, 1/4 c reserved.
1 c quick cooking oats
3/4 c sliced almonds
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp dried rosemary
dash dried ground mustard

Mix just until blended.  Line muffin pans with liners or spray with oil.  Fill muffins (I used a large ice cream scoop) and bake at 350F for 20 minutes, or until thermometer reads 180F internal temp. Remove and brush with reserved cherry preserves.

Serve hot with some roasted sweet potatoes and peas, and you're in business.

Happy baby! She ate a whole muffin in one sitting with a handful of frozen peas.  (And yes, that's a fork in her hand... she has to hold one so she's just like us!)

Tangy Cranberry Meatballs

I love this recipe!  Serve over baked potatoes with your veggie of choice and it makes enough for 2 meals + some leftovers! I've made some modifications from the original recipe, here's my (better) version.  Lovely spooned over baked or mashed potatoes.

Tangy Cranberry Meatballs
400 degrees - 16 minutes

2lbs lean ground beef (or turkey, or a combination)
1 pkg stove top stuffing mix (I like the whole wheat)
1 cup water
2 large eggs

1 bottle (16 oz) barbecue sauce
2 cans whole berry cranberry sauce

In a large bowl, combine meat, stuffing mix, eggs and water.  Roll into 1-1/2" balls and place on foil-lined, greased (spray olive oil) cookie sheet.  You should have about 60 meatballs.  Bake at 400 degrees F for 16 minutes.

While meatballs are baking:
Combine in large pot or saucepan the cranberry sauce and bbq sauce over medium heat, stirring well to melt the cranberry jelly.  When meatballs are cooked, remove from oven and stir into sauce in pot.  Serve hot.

Saving a batch for later: (possibly my favorite part of this recipe)
Reserve half of the sauce and half of the meatballs before combining in sauce.  Put sauce in a quart freezer bag, lay flat.  Place cooled meatballs in gallon freezer bag with sauce bag on top.  To serve: Thaw sauce and meatballs then combine in pot.  Cook over low-medium heat until warm.  Serve.