Sarasotas Favorite Stuffed Bread Recipes

SARASOTA'S CLASSIC MEATLOAF

Steps:

• Vegetables -- First. I just used my mini food processor to fine chop the vegetables - saves tons of time, but you can chop them by hand if you want. In a small saucepan melt the butter and saute the onion, celery, carrot and garlic on medium heat. Don't cook them too fast, you want them to sweat slowly for about 5 minutes until they are tender.
• Base -- Then transfer the vegetables to a large bowl .Add in the egg, steak sauce, worcestershire, oregano, thyme, parsley, marjoram or dried oregano (both will well, I just love the fresh marjoram if you have it), salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.
• Bread -- In a flat pan or dish, add the milk and soak each slice of bread just for a few seconds and then squeeze out most of the milk. Add the bread slices breaking them up into the bowl. Save the milk, don't throw it out. Mix the bread crumbs inches.
• Meat -- Quick Note: You can use all beef for this, but I really prefer the mix. You could also, substitute turkey for the veal if you want, but - Beef, Veal and Pork are my favorites.
• Now, add in the meat. You can use a spoon, but honestly, I use my hands to mix everything together. You don't want to over mix as the meat can get tough.
• Loaf -- I prefer to free form my loaf rather than using a loaf pan, but if you want, you can use a loaf pan. If using a pan, I line it with parchment paper, but I really prefer to form mine on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. This way when you glaze the meat loaf you can glaze the sides as well. This is the way we always did it in the restaurant. As mentioned above, you can make 2 smaller loafs vs 1 loaf, the cooking time is all that changes.
• Glaze -- In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, brown sugar and cider vinegar together.
• Cook -- Middle shelf in a 350 degree oven. Depending on on thick you make your loaf, it should take between 50 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes. I make mine fairly thick so it takes just about 1 hr 15 minute Bake for about 40-45 minutes and then glaze. Cook another 10-15 min and glaze one more time. Once done, remove and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
• Serve -- Just slice and enjoy! As I said, sour cream and chive potatoes and pan seared green beans are my favorite with this dish.

SARASOTA'S ... --THIS IS GRANDMA'S TUNA MACARONI SALAD--

Steps:

• Pasta -- Cook according to package directions. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl and let cool as you prepare the rest of the salad.
• Salad -- Not too much to this. To the semi cooled pasta, add in the peas, celery, onion, olives, pickles, and egg.
• Then in a small bowl, add the dressing ingredients - mayonnaise, parsley, dill, pickle juice, mustard, salt and pepper. I add all of the dressing (but I reserve a couple of spoons) to the pasta and toss well. I reserve a couple of spoons because after it chills, I like to add just a bit more to freshen it up. It really depends on how creamy you like the pasta. I prefer it not to be too mayo tasting. Last, I fold in the tuna because I don't want to break it up too much. Just fold in.
• Chill -- Before serving. I cover well with plastic wrap and chill at least 30 minutes to an hour and then stir once more. Add that reserved dressing if you want and season with any additional salt and pepper.
• Garnish and Serve -- I transfer to a pretty serving bowl, garnish with the remaining sliced egg, paprika and chopped dill. This was my Macaroni and Tuna Salad.
• As I said, over a small bed of lettuce, a cup or bowl of creamy tomato soup, and homemade bread -- ENJOY!

EASY SAUSAGE-STUFFED LOAF

Steps:

• Thaw bread dough on a greased baking sheet according to package directions; let rise until doubled. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until no longer pink. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Add the spinach, cheeses, oregano and garlic powder; set side. , Roll each loaf of bread into a 14x12-in. rectangle. Spread sausage mixture lengthwise down the center of each rectangle. Gently press the filling down; dot with butter. Bring edges of dough to the center over filling; pinch to seal. Return to the baking sheet, placing seam side down; tuck ends under and form into a crescent shape. Brush with egg. , Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before cutting. If desired, cool one loaf on a wire rack; wrap in foil and freeze for up to 3 months., To use frozen loaf: Thaw at room temperature for 2 hours. Unwrap and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.