Lots of cooks are very uncomfortable about putting their hands in or on the food they are preparing. I’m not one of them. I don’t stick my fingers into a boiling soup pot nor do I cook with dirty hands. But I like to get personal with the food I’m fixing.
I know John Steinbeck wasn’t a big foodie, but his opinion (in Travels With Charley) on the subject, is one I can agree with. In his cross-country road trip he believed the flavor of the food he tasted was bland. He felt that the restaurant business was relying too heavily on machines to prepare food. He noticed that small town diners where cooks still used their hands for food preparation had the tastiest food.
There are some foods I prepare that have a unique flavor, I believe, because I do make them with my hands. Any kind of bread is one of them. I have used a Kitchen Aid to do all the mixing and kneading but, seriously, it tastes different (better) when I do the kneading myself. Above is a picture of my oldest daughter, Candice, using her hands to making one of her special pizzas.
Meatloaf is another one of those ‘use-your-hands’ foods. Of course, it’s messy. I line up the pan and paper towels before I start. A few weeks ago, I told you about my first meal served to my in-laws which included meatloaf (read it here). I have improved that recipe over the intervening years. Many of you asked me for my recipe so, here it is.
- 1 pound of mixed ground meat (I use half the mix of ground beef and the other half is ground pork/turkey/sausage)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup oatmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Put everything together in a large bowl. Stick your clean hands in and squish together until it’s completely mixed. Put into a loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees.
Alternatives: 1.) Mold and bake on a rack that is set inside a baking pan. 2.) Bake in a crockpot. Crumble aluminum foil for the bottom, set the meatloaf on top which will serve as a rack for the grease.
This recipe is easily doubled or tripled. I usually double it and make some meatballs at the same time. Two or three meals at the same time? I think I’m smart. Maybe just lazy.
I hope you’ll let me know if you try my meatloaf. Or, tell me about your own favorite meatloaf. Do you prepare food with your hands?
This post first appeared on my blog, Joyfully Retired
Oh my gosh! I felt your inner pain ... and I apologize for the fact that when I got to the part about setting your hair on fire, I laughed. I'm so glad you weren't hurt, and hair grows back. Perhaps a new hair-do would not only rectify the situation 
There is no such thing as a legal separation in my state..The only way I can get husband out of the house is to force him out..He refuses to leave..I would have to file for divorce and get temporary orders including a restraining order..
I feel so
doggiediva - I live in Florida which is a no fault divorce state. Everything that was accumulated during a marriage has to be divvied up 50/50. Unfortunately, he has nothing but the house to offer you. Because of your health situation he may not be e
Hi Margot
I use my hands for certain things I am cooking…..breads….meatloaf…..making my famous salmon patties! Like you, I put all the ingrediants in the bowl 1st. Then get pans ready etc…even have the hot water going so I can wash yet ‘again’ …I didn’t know there was any other way to cook after raising 6 kids and lots of grandkids around. Enjoyed your post and will try your recipe for the meatloaf! Tashomani debsfs@aol.com
Yes Margo I use my “Two French Spoons” that is what our hands are referred to in culinery terms. I use them all of the time. This morning I made mackarel patties and biscuits and had my french spoons in both.
I love this term. From now on they are my Two French Spoons. Makes me feel more gourmet.