“In the end, it’s about human connection. When we relate to those around us by understanding their back stories and their circumstances, we improve the way we work, the way we live, the way we take care of one another, the way we relate going forward and, as Martin Luther King Jr. would say, building the “beloved community” that edifies us all.” ~ Trent Gilliss
NOTE: I spend my Wednesdays Unplugged from appointments. It’s my day to stay home, enjoy cooking and welcome our kids and grandkids for dinner in the evening. We end our meal with quotes from the Norwegian ‘Quote Cup’ passed on to me from my grandmother. I share a quote and a recipe here each week, along with an update and photos of what has been going on in our lives. I love trying new recipes…and love getting recipes you would like to share!
Last Saturday really felt like spring… hard to believe it was 78 degrees on March 21st! People were outside everywhere enjoying the beautiful day… walking around the lakes and lining up for ice cream cones. We also learned that the 2026 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award® will honor the people of the Twin Cities of Minnesota for risking their lives to protect their neighbors and immigrant community members from an unprecedented federal law enforcement operation, peacefully defending the human rights and values that serve as the foundation of our Constitutional democracy.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
This week’s recipe came from thecountrycook.net. It was moist and flavorful and a hit… especially the melted Swiss cheese on top. It calls for lean ground beef, but I used a ground chuck, brisket and short rib mix.
CROCK POT FRENCH ONION MEATLOAF
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 envelope onion soup mix
- 3/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 slices Swiss cheese (divided)
- 1-.5 ounce can French onion soup
In a medium skillet, over medium high heat, add 1 tablespoon butter and allow it to melt, then add 1 yellow onion, sliced. Allow the onions to caramelize while stirring occasionally (about 10 minutes).
When done, add the caramelized onions to the bottom of a 5-6 quart slow cooker.
In a large bowl, add 2 pounds lean ground beef, 1 envelope onion soup mix, 3/4 cup Italian bread crumbs, 2 large eggs, 3/4 cup milk and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
Take 5 slices of Swiss cheese and dice them into chunks, then add to the meatloaf mixture.
Mix the meatloaf mixture until well combined and shape into a loaf, then add to the slow cooker on top of the caramelized onions.
Pour 10.5 ounce can of French onion soup over the top of the loaf.
Cover and cook on low for about 5-6 hours or on high for about 3 hours (until internal temperature of the meatloaf has reach 165F degrees).
Five minutes before serving, top the meatloaf with the remaining 3 slices of Swiss cheese. Put the cover back on the slow cooker until melted, then serve.
