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Cold Beef, Ham and Cheese Picnic Loaf

Thyme for Cooking Posted on by

When I first started making this I used regular, baked ham, ground, in equal amounts to the beef.

I also made it big enough to serve 12 or 15 people.

Now I just make it big enough for the two of us to have for a few meals.

It's meant to be served cold, which means you can have thick slices to eat with bread and salad or thin slices to have on sandwiches.

It also makes it perfect for a picnic.

The flavor of dry-cured ham is much more pronounced than baked ham…. A little goes a long way, so 3 – 4 oz is enough.

Cold Beef, Ham and Cheese Picnic Loaf

Preparation and cooking time:    15 minutes plus 60 baking

 Ingredients:

  • 16oz ground beef  (500gr mince)
  • 3.5oz (100gr) Prosciutto or other dry-cured ham, 4 – 5 slices

  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup minced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/3 cup 3oz, (90gr) dry bread crumbs
  • 1/3 cup 3oz (90ml) red wine (or beef stock)
  • 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbs ketchup
  • 4oz (125gr) Cheddar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup for the top

Ham and Cheese Picnic Loaf

 Instructions:

  • Chop Prosciutto as finely as possible. 
  • Mince onion and garlic. 
  • Slice the Cheddar.
  • In a large bowl lightly beat eggs with a fork. 
  • Add the bread crumbs, onion, garlic, wine, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, ham and mix well.
  • Add the beef and mix well, using your hands, kneading it like bread.
  • Divide mixture in half and place half in large baking dish, patting it into the shape of a loaf or pack into a 9 X 5 (22.5 x 12.5cm) loaf pan.
  • Place the cheese on top leaving 1/3" (1cm) all around. 
  • Top with the remaining meat, patting into shape to cover the cheese,  pat / pinch around the edges to seal.
  • Bake at 400 F (200C) for 45 minutes. 
  • Remove, spread 1/4 cup ketchup evenly over the top.
  • Return to oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
  • When done, remove and let rest at least 15 minutes before cutting.  (If using loaf pan, after cooling slightly, unmold it.)
  • Slice and serve.

The last big summer holiday is coming up….

Or so I'm told.

After living over here for over 15 years we tend to lose track of US holidays.

And I had a point when I started this post….

Then I got a nose-nudge from Bonnie, followed by a bark from Guapa so I had to stop for some petting time.

Then it started thundering  - storms have been predicted and showing up in the distance off and on all day, but no rain.  We haven't had any rain that counts since June.

Anyway, whatever profound thoughts I had have wafted into the sunset.

Just be grateful this wasn't another zucchini post.

The pups are barking again… With the hot weather we've been having the only time they play is at sunset.  Apparently I'm needed to throw the ball.

Lucky me.

Any big picnic plans for the last hurrah of summer?


Comments

Cold Beef, Ham and Cheese Picnic Loaf — 4 Comments

  1. What a delicious looking loaf! I am trying to include more beef in my diet and this looks like a great way to do it!

  2. That does look good, Katie. Very country French – I would serve it with a rustic round loaf and a salad. I think Tarte Tatin for dessert…
    Or, a roasted potato salad and cole slaw.
    Last hurrah of summer? Doing a flea market with some friends! And counting only 17 work days left!

  4. Monet, thanks – we usually have beef a few times a month – and meat loaf of any type is the hubs favorite.
    Mimi, flea market sounds like fun… and only 17 days – what’s first?
    manningroad, thanks – we are rather fond of meatloaf – I have to carefully ration.

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