Pork and Apple Meatloaf

  INGREDIENTS

• Pork and Apple Meatloaf:
• 1 ½ lbs ground pork
• 1 ½ cups apples, peeled and grated
• 1 small onion, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• 7 slices good quality bacon, or more (gluten, nitrate & nitrite, and sugar free)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Sautéed Leeks:
• 6 leeks
• 4 tbsp ghee or coconut oil
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme leaves
• Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

• Applesauce (pre-made all natural, no sugar added) or recipe as follows:
• 3 lbs assorted apples, peeled and sliced
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp ghee, cut into small pieces
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
• Pinch of coarse salt

  PREPARATION

• Meatloaf:
• Preheat your oven to 350 F.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment.
• In a bowl, combine the meat, apples, onion, chili powder, cinnamon, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Shape the meat mixture into a loaf on the baking sheet.
• Arrange the bacon across the top, and tighten underneath the meatloaf.
• Place the loaf in the oven and bake for about 1 hour.
• Set the oven to broil and broil for 3 to 5 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
• Sautéed Leeks:
• Trim leeks so you are only left with the very light green and white parts. Rinse thoroughly and cut into thin slices.
• In a large skillet heat the ghee or coconut oil over medium heat.
• Add the leeks, thyme leaves, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Stir so everything is well mixed, cover, and turn heat down to low.
• Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and tender.
• Remove from heat and serve warm.
• Applesauce:
• Preheat your oven to 425 F.
• In a baking dish, combine the apples, water, lemon juice, ghee, and salt.
• Place in the oven and roast 30 minutes or until the apples are very soft.
• In a big bowl, puree the apple using a hand mixer or food mill. Of course, You can also use a blender or food processor to achieve the same result.
• Stir in the spices and serve while still warm or once cold.
• Serve slices of meatloaf with applesauce and sautéd leeks.