James Beard Meatloaf

Preheat oven to 350.

Line a 12 x 15 baking pan with aluminum foil (or use a bread-pan).

In a food processor, chop

3 cloves garlic

and then

1 med green bell pepper

1 large yellow onion

Place in a large mixing bowl, and add

2 lbs ground beef

2 lb ground pork

1 c dry bread crumbs

2 eggs

1 t salt

1 t fresh ground black pepper

1/2 t dried thyme

and then knead together by hand.

Arrange

4 slices bacon

on the base of the baking tin. Mound the meatloaf on top to form a 6 x 12 x 2" slab. (Or put the bacon at the bottom of the bread pan and make a loaf atop it.) Lay

4 slices bacon 

on top. 

Cook in center of oven for 1.5 hours; let stand 5 min before slicing.