Iowa Caucus Recipe: Grassley Family Meatloaf

With the 2012 Iowa Caucus just a few days away, I thought it would be fun to share a politically inspired recipe on my blog.

To be honest, I've been glued to my TV the last week, watching the pre-Iowa caucus coverage. Of course, I want to hear what the presidential candidates have to say (I'm still an undecided voter).  But I'm also getting a kick out of seeing the places where the presidential candidates are visiting in Iowa.  It's been fun to see all the stump speeches in restaurants, towns and stores I'm familiar with.  I have yet to see a presidential candidate up close and in person, mostly because all of their events are held when I'm at work.  But I'm thinking of driving to Des Moines this weekend to see all the national media in town for the caucuses.

In honor of all the caucus excitement, I prepared a special dinner at home.  I inherited a stack of cookbooks from my grandmother, and in her recipe clippings, I found a pamphlet of recipes from Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley's family, dated 2004.  If I remember correctly, it was the year when Grassley ran virtually unopposed for the Iowa Senate seat.  He's a very well-respected politician in our state.

I decided to try the Grassley's "Tasty Meatloaf" recipe, since my husband and I were a little tired of eating Christmas ham leftovers.  It's pretty much a standard meatloaf recipe, with the spicy addition of chili powder.  I also "frosted" the meatloaf with ketchup, just like my husband likes it. Definitely a comfort food favorite -- and a winner on caucus night or any night of the year. The recipe is below, if you want to give it a try.  Enjoy!

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Tasty Meat Loaf

From Grassley Family Favorites

• 1-1/2 pound ground beef
• 1 C. oatmeal (uncooked)
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 C. (or more) chopped onion
• 1 Tbl. worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1 Tbl. ketchup
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 C. milk

Mix all ingredients thoroughly -- hands work best.  Shape into two meat loaves.  Put crosswise in 9 x 13 cake pan.  Pour water around the loaves. (I skipped this step, and it turned out fine.)  Bake in a 350 degree oven until loaves are brown -- 45 minutes to 1 hour.  (Note: I like to spread ketchup on top after 45 minutes of bake time, then pop it in the oven for the remaining 15 minutes.)