A Meatloaf in Every Oven: Two Chatty Cooks, One Iconic Dish and Dozens of Recipesfrom Moms to Mario Batalis by Frank Bruni

A Meatloaf in Every Oven: Two Chatty Cooks, One Iconic Dish and Dozens of Recipesfrom Moms to Mario Batalis Reviews

• 
  Stewart Tame

  I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. My wife can attest to how excited I was when I heard the news. I loved the idea of this book ever since first hearing about it, and, I'm happy to say, it does not disappoint.
  
  Yes, this is a cookbook. There are dozens of meatloaf recipes of varying degrees of difficulty, both in preparation and in securing the necessary ingredients. There's also a final chapter of recipes for various side dishes, because meatloaf alone is not a complete meal. What makes this rise above the status of an ordinary cookbook are the chatty introductions to each chapter as well as the recipes themselves. Bruni and Steinhauer have spent years talking about food--meatloaf in particular--with each other, and trade opinions, facts, and jokes with a zeal that is infectious. They essentially emcee the book in highly entertaining fashion. While I fully intend to make at least some of these, even if I wind up doing nothing at all, cooking-wise, it will still be worth rereading just for the sheer entertainment value.
• 
  Harker

  Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food in my house. It's rare that we have it these days, to be honest, because with our work schedules my husband and I rarely have the time or energy to pull together a recipe like one of the ones found in this book. However, reading this book gave me the inspiration to at least try to reinstate Meatloaf Sunday, wherein we'll try yet another of these recipes.
  
  Even if you made one of these recipes every week it would take you almost a year to make them all because there are dozens of recipes from the traditional beef to pork to ones that include seafood. Those are the ones that surprised me the most because I'd never heard of a meatloaf like that. Thankfully, the authors of this book managed to find a good variety when bringing these recipes together.
  
  Of the recipes included, my favorite non-traditional one was probably the Crab and Shrimp Loaf Muffins. They're great because not only do they include two delicious seafood meats, but they're also good for either an entree or an appetizer, depending on how many muffins you serve. The recipe I most enjoyed trying out from the more traditional chapters was the Jewish Christmas Loaf, an amazing recipe that takes a ground beef mixture and adds five-spice powder, soy sauce, and Asian garlic sauce to season not only the beef, but to top it all off with the glaze.
  
  I learned a lot from this book besides the variety of recipes as well. There were methods for sauteing onions before cooking, which I never really thought of. Also, soaking bread in milk before mixing it in with the meat to give it more moisture was a tip I'd never heard before. The final chapter in the book was where I found the most help for planning a meal around meatloaf. Entitled "Eight: Sides", it offers sides options from macaroni and cheese to roasted broccoli to a Midwestern potato salad that sounds like something right off a picnic menu. I'm used to seeing accompanying dishes neglected in a book focusing on main courses, so this was a pleasant inclusion.
  
  At the beginning of each chapter, the authors have a bit of a chat session which gives an insight into why they chose the recipes they included. Some of the recipes are from personal friends, some are from celebrity chefs such as Alex Guarnaschelli and Bobby Flay. These friendly introductions, as well as the fact that the book takes sides into account as well as the main dish, make it a fun recipe book that has something for practically anyone.
  
  I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Laura

  I won this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. For some reason, I thought it would be meatloaf and other related recipes. But no. Every. single. recipe. is a meatloaf recipe. But the variety is really great, and, probably this is obvious, but if you already like meatloaf it's a great book. But meatloaf is great IMO because it's so easy & these recipes are a bit more complex (e.g., one has you soaking the bread for a while; another has you sautéing onions first, whereas when I make meatloaf I usually just put everything right in & bake it and that's why I love it so much!). So, if you want to spice up your meatloaf life, then this book is great. I'd just rather put my culinary efforts into other types of food!
  
  The highlight is probably the Swedish Meatball Loaf, in which they've used the Ikea meatballs as an inspiration for a loaf.
  
  About the physical thing itself -- there are black and white drawings, but no pictures of the food itself, which is odd for a cookbook. It would have been nice to see some pics of some of the recipes.
• 
  Lara

  This cookbook is a collection of meatloaf recipes that covers a wide variety of flavors and ingredients. Some of the loaves lack meat as well. There are recipes from different friends and colleagues of the authors, who are journalists, as well as some they created and those provided by celebrity chefs and politicians. As a fan of meatloaf, I was interested in trying out the recipes.
  
  The book begins with an introduction to the development of the book and a history of meatloaf in the US. There is an overview of ingredients and equipment as well as some techniques that may help to improve one's final product. However, those who consider photos essential to cookbooks will be disappointed. This didn't bother me, as meatloaf isn't exciting to look at, and most know what it looks like.
  
  The recipes begin with classic style recipes that are the same or similar to those that are so commonly found. Then there are international recipes that use ingredients and flavors that are typical of other nations. There are recipes using poultry, fish, and vegetables. Then there is a chapter called "Guilty Pleasures" that has unusual and rich recipes, such as one for taco meatloaf that includes crushed tortilla chips. The last chapter of meatloaf recipes are those shared by politicians, and they also include some unusual ingredients, such as venison or bison. The last chapter is of some side dishes, just to allow one to make a complete meal.
  
  I made two meatloaves. The first was a classic recipe, Joan Fuller's Meatloaf, which used corn flake crumbs instead of bread as a binder and only beef. It turned out well, and had a very nice classic taste and texture. The other recipe was the Cheeseburger and Fries recipe that was a guilty pleasure. It used crushed potato chips and had mayonnaise as well as ketchup and mustard in the loaf. It was very moist and was a nice blending of flavors, including the cheese.
  
  In general the recipes are straightforward with introductions specific to each, and clear instructions. Some are one bowl preparations, others require multiple steps, few take more than two pages. I had a digital advance copy and one of the recipes I tried was not in the table of contents. However, the others mostly seemed to be. In my other recipe, one ingredient was listed but not included in the instructions. I mixed it in anyway and it turned out well.
  
  This isn't really a book for the true beginner. The use of a 9"x13" baking dish didn't clarify that the loaf should be shaped rather than spread across the dish like brownies. Knowing that some meatloaf recipes use a loaf pan, and others are shaped by hand is assumed. Overall, though, I found this book a delight and there are several other recipes I am looking forward to making.
  
  I received a free digital copy for review. My comments are solely my own.
• 
  Elizabeth

  Kind of disappointing. I really liked the jabber between the two authors in the introduction and for each recipe. But the recipes? I will stick with my mother’s meatloaf recipe and my lentil veggies loaf for my vegetarians. There was a chapter on vegetarian loaves and I can’t remember a one.
• 
  Sasha

  3.5
• 
  DelAnne Frazee

  Title: A Meatloaf in Every Oven - Two Chatty Cooks, One Iconic Dish and Dozens of Recipes - From Moms to Mario Batali's
  Author: Frank Bruni & Jennifer Steinhauer
  Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
  Published: 2-7-2017
  Pages: 259
  Genre: Cooking, Food & Wine
  Sub-Genre: Cookbooks, Main Dish; Regional
  ISBN: 9781455563050
  ASIN: B01GQIYAKA
  Reviewed For NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing
  Reviewer: DelAnne
  Rating: 5 Starts
  
  
  Okay, I admit it. I love a good meatloaf. I found a few new favorite recipes for it in "A Meatloaf in Every Oven" Try yjr Annie Miller's Home-Style Loaf With Cheddar and Parsley & Mashed Potato Meatloaf.
  
  
  Learn the history of the dish. Its origins and how it has evolved over time. From family to exotic. There is bound to be a recipe to tempt you.
  
  
  My rating of "A Meatloaf in Every Oven" is5 out of 5 stars.
  
  
  Amazon Link:
  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GQIYAKA/...
  
  B&N Link:
  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-me...
  
  GoodReads Link:
  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
  
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  Twitter Link:
  https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
• 
  Andrea

  A fun, quick skim. This book explores meatloaf (and meatloaf-like dishes) as a universal home-cooked, comfort food. There are some interesting recipes here. As someone who has a family meatloaf receipe and a new version I found myself, I was hoping for more here than prodded me to go try out some new spins on this favorite, but I will be honest that many of these recipes were pretty complex and with somewhat daunting ingredient lists. I enjoyed learning about the traditions in various cultures (hard boiled egg IN meatloaf – what?) but nothing here really seemed unmissable.
• 
  Laura

  All about meatloaf. The how-to, fun banter, and a variety to try. I'm hungry.
• 
  Jamie Jones Hullinger

  Such a fun cookbook. Never thought I would actually READ a cookbook; especially one on meatloaf. It was so original and interesting. Cannot wait to make some of the recipes!
• 
  Robin

  I'm not a fan of meatloaf, so I was hoping to find something to tempt me into changing my mind. I didn't. But, this might be a good book for meatloaf lovers looking to branch out.
• 
  Diane

  There are some great recipes in there, plus the chatty cooks were entertaining.
• 
  Jo Gardner

  A love story of cooking and meatloaf with recipes from great chefs, and added commentary from the authors that I adored! Great recipes as well.
• 
  Rachel

  A fun read cookbook that has personal stories about the recipes. Good recipes.
• 
  Debbie

  Can I count a cookbook as a book I have read? Well I am going to do just that! I do love meatloaf, a comfort food. And this book is full of recipes, but also cleverly written. Cooked the first meatloaf tonight and it was a hit! Moving on next week to number 2.
  
  I made the first meatloaf again for a work lunch and it seemed to be a hit again. So, I made meatloaf #2, a cheddar parsley concoction, and it was also very good. The topping was ketchup, which I have NEVER used on any meatloaf, but I am not as opposed now as I once was. This was satisfying and easy to prepare, and I would make it again.
• 
  YC

  Who knew a whole book could be written on America's favourite dish - the meatloaf? This is an excellent resource for those who want to try a favourite classic or even explore new recipes. This book covers the classic American meatloaf and all its different versions, even travelling internationally to cover things such as the Swedish meatball meatloaf. A perfect book for the meatloaf lover.
  
  Thank you publishers and Netgalley for the ARC.
• 
  Angela

  Good news: I don't have to use those meatloaf seasoning packets anymore.
  
  Bad news: No matter how good, I think my family is eventually going to get sick of me playing around with these recipes!
  
  If a book about meatloaf can be entertaining this is it.
  
  
  
  Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Owen

  Enjoyable read that will make you want to cook meatloaf, even if you aren't really a meatloaf lover. Includes some fun inventive recipes.
• 
  Amy

  First of all, this book is cute and the format fits the book's personality. The fonts chosen and the graphics are fun and appropriate. Each chapter starts with a bit of banter between the two authors, which adds even more whimsy to the book.
  
  The chapter topics give an indication of the variation of meatloaf recipes provided:
  - Classics
  - Around the World
  - Lamb
  - Cluck Cluck Gobble Gobble
  - Meatless Loaves (seafood/vegetarian recipes)
  - Guilty Pleasures (fun/fattening recipes)
  - Political Postcript (recipes from politicians)
  - Sides
  Many of the recipes were contributed by famous chefs/bloggers, including Mario Batali.
  
  I have not tried any of the recipes, but many look delicious and/or completely over the top that I'll definitely be making them.
  
  With all that being said, this cookbook offers 47 recipes for meatloaf. Even if you like meatloaf enough to eat it once a week, it'll take you a year to get through the book. This book may be better received in the Midwest, where comfort food and casseroles rule, but on the East Coast we just don't eat meatloaf all that often.
  
  I would not buy this book for myself, but would possibly consider it for a new bride or someone who just graduated from college as a unique "starting out" gift. I really wanted to like this book, because the idea of two talented people collaborating on an American comfort food just sounds like it would be good. But I have to admit that I was disappointed. A positive note, however, is that I'm probably going to end up buying Jennifer Steinhauer's book Treat Yourself and maybe even one of Frank Bruni's books for my teenage children who are starting to think about college.
• 
  Kyle Robertson

  The title of this book says it all! Meatloaf is one of my favorite dishes, and the possibilities for different varieties are endless. This book contains mouth watering recipes from celebrity chefs to politicians. The short biographies for each contributor are interesting. I particularly enjoyed that almost each recipe comes with a story introducing it.
  
  In a conversation one day the two authors discovered a passion for meatloaf, and this wonderful book was born. They provide a comprehensive history of meatloaf and it's many varieties, complete with a timeline and different cultures. There is also an essential equipment list of different pans, gadgets, etc, that you may want to invest in for some of the recipes in the book.
  
  The chapters are as follows:
  1. Classics
  2. Around the World
  3. Lamb
  4. Click Cluck Gobble Gobble
  5. Meatless Loaves
  6. Guilty Pleasures
  7. Political Postscript
  8. Sides
  
  I recommend this book to anyone looking for a different take on the classic dish that is meatloaf. I received this as a free ARC from Grand Central Life & Style on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Sandra Simmons

  I am so glad that I picked this book up after hearing my husband tell me all about it. He had heard about it on NPR and when I saw it I knew he would be so happy to have this classic cook book. It is not only filled with classic recipes but with some humor too.
  I enjoyed reading it. I also enjoyed watching my son go for 3rd on the Salmon Loaf recipe.
  We already have our grocery list for the next loaf.
• 
  Linda Schnetzer

  Really enjoyed the book, but haven't cooked from it yet.
• 
  Barrie

  Excellent cookbook! Behind every great cookbook is a great index or table of contents- why? so you can find recipes to make. What i like about this one is that it is organized by the way I work: type of protein (chicken, beef, other) or the indulgence factor (super heavy duty indulgent or healthy) and i like that! Besides this, almost every recipe has a story behind it- something I need to feel like I want to make a recipe. Meatloaf seems so straightforward, but in this book, you realize it is anything but boring! I made a chicken meatloaf with sriacha glaze that was super delicious- there are lots of offerings from chefs like Alex Guarnashelli to Paul Ryan (the politician!) mixed in here- but all of the recipes are easy enough for a home cook- plus they added some great side dish offerings so it's not all meat...you get the potato part and some veg too! Highly Recommend.
• 
  Tori

  This was a really neat cookbook all about meatloaf. I had no idea there were so many different ways to make it, in fact they offer recipes that have cultural flairs from around the world. I would recommend this book to others who enjoy cooking or looking for a way to spice up a traditional meal.
  
  
  ***I won this book through Goodreads First Reads***
• 
  Donna Foster

  This is a mouthwatering buffet of exciting recipes. I found a plateful of recipes to try in just a few pages.