Fennel Chestnut Loaf With Cranberry Relish Food

THE BEST ROASTED FENNEL

Steps:

• Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 475 degrees F.
• Pick 2 tablespoons of the tender green fronds from the tops of the fennel bulbs and set aside. Cut the remaining top and bottom from each fennel bulb, then cut the bulb in half lengthwise through the core. Use the tip of the knife to cut an upside-down "V" on the bottom of each bulb to remove most of the core, leaving just enough so the bulb stays intact. Cut each half through the core into wedges, about 1/4 inch thick.
• Add the fennel bulb, thyme, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes and 3/4 teaspoon salt to a large bowl and toss until evenly coated. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet.
• Roast in the oven until the fennel is very tender and lightly browned in spots, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, top with the reserved fennel fronds and serve with the lemon wedges.

FENNEL ORANGE CRANBERRY SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until cranberries begin to break down and water evaporates, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool before serving.

FENNEL MEATLOAF

Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and fennel.
• Stir in breadcrumbs; let stand for 10 minutes.
• Add in ground beef and the rest of the ingredients.
• Mix well to combine.
• Transfer mixture to a 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 loafpan.
• Bake in a 350° oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until done.
• Remove meatloaf from pan and let stand 5 minutes before slicing.

CRANBERRY MEAT LOAF

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Crumble beef and ham over mixture and mix well. Pat into a greased 9x5-in. loaf pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 1-1/4 hours or until a thermometer reads 160°., During the last 15 minutes of baking, baste meat loaf with barbecue sauce if desired. Garnish with bay leaves and cranberries if desired. Discard bay leaves before slicing.