CONTEST MAIN DISH: Brattleboro (Commune-Style Meat Loaf)

BRATTLEBORO (Commune-Style Meat Loaf)
By BumbleBeeBoogie

2 slices whole wheat bread, crumbled
1/2 cup whole milk
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1/2 cup finely diced Granny Smith apple, peeled and cored
1/2 cup finely diced celery
1/2 cup onion, peeled and finely chop
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1/4 cup wheat germ
1-1/2 pounds ground pork
1/2 pound spicy pork sausage
1/2 teaspoon salt
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons flat Italian parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves or 1/2 half teaspoon dried
1 teaspoon freshly snipped thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Preheat the oven at 350 degrees F.

In a large mixing bowl, with your clean hands combine the bread crumbs and milk; mix well. Add the egg, apples, onion, garlic, celery, pork and sausage; mix well. In a small bowl, blend the wheat germ and the remaining ingredients and add them to the meat and bread mixture; mix well. Shape the mixture into a loaf in a shallow baking dish. Bake for 1-1/4 hours. Serves 4 to 6.