by Frank Bruni
First published 2017
New York Times journalists Frank Bruni and Jennifer Steinhauer have spent decades trading meatloaf recipes through phone calls, emails, and text messages. Their shared obsession becomes the foundation for this comprehensive exploration of an American comfort food staple. The authors present fifty recipes ranging from traditional preparations to innovative interpretations by celebrity chefs Bobby Flay and Mario Batali. They venture beyond American borders to include Italian polpettone, Middle Eastern kibbe, and South African bobotie. Bruni and Steinhauer tackle the heated debates that divide meatloaf enthusiasts: whether to include ketchup, how to handle vegetables, and techniques for avoiding the dreaded dry loaf. The book weaves together historical context, personal stories, and practical cooking advice, including sandwich variations. The authors create an intimate cooking experience, as if readers are learning alongside two experienced friends who understand both the technical challenges and emotional significance of this humble dish.
Genres: cooking, food, cookbooks, food-and-drink
Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family
259 pages · Kindle Edition · Grand Central Life & Style