Paleo Apple BBQ Turkey Meatloaf and Smashed Fauxtatoes

You know how sometimes you just need to cook a warm meal packed with comfort food, but you really don't want to pack all the calories into it that you normally do? Enter this fun paleo dish I found. Like I have said before, I'm not really big on following diets (although I like the "whole food" approach that the paleo diet uses), but this was a great meal! No crazy ingredients, easy to put together (although it does take some time), and a fun twist on our usual meatloaf.

The homemade BBQ sauce was super easy and delicious. But a word of warning. Do not, under any circumstances, walk away from the stove to see why your toddler is giggling hysterically, leaving the sauce to bubble all over your stovetop. Even if that means your toddler and dog are sharing a rawhide together. Just pretend it didn't happen, ok?

This was a fun meatloaf to have, even if it takes a bit of extra prep-work. It is perfect for a cold night and was super moist and delicious! I have never made a meatloaf without a pan before, so it was fun to shape it on a baking sheet and see what happened. I think it turned out very pretty, haha. We also loved the pretend mashed potatoes. They had a lot of good flavor and were very creamy! This meal was definitely a hit!! 

Apple Butter BBQ Sauce: (Stuff I Make My Husband)
1 garlic clove, minced
Fat of choice for sautéing (bacon grease, butter, olive oil, whichever you prefer)
1 cup canned tomato puree
1/3 cup unsweetened apple butter
2 TBSP  balsamic vinegar
2 TBSP worcestershire or soy sauce
1 TBSP yellow mustard
1 tsp hot sauce
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chipotle powder
1/8 tsp allspice
pinch ground ginger

In a saucepan over medium high heat, heat the oil/fat of choice.

Sauté the garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low and simmer 25-30 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally.

Set aside to cool.

Meatloaf (Stuff I Make My Husband)
1 lb ground turkey
1/2 red onion, minced
1/2 red bell pepper, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 TBSP Dijon Mustard
1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce)
2 eggs, beaten

0.5 ounces of dried mushrooms, powdered in a spice grinder (you could also use regular mushrooms and just mince really really small)

1 tsp butter

1 TBSP BBQ seasoning of choice

Preheat oven to 350F.

Make the BBQ sauce and let it simmer.

When it is done, start preparing the meatloaf.

In a large skillet heat the butter until melted.

Add the onion and sauté until translucent but not brown.

Add the pepper and garlic and sauté until the pepper is soft. Let cool.

In a large bowl mix together the eggs, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.

Add the ground turkey and sautéed veggies, dried mushrooms, and combine thoroughly.

Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking pan.

Shape the meat into a loaf.

Pour some of the BBQ sauce into a small bowl (to avoid cross contamination) and brush a thick coat on the top of the loaf.

Bake for 35 minutes.

Brush with another coat of BBQ sauce.

Bake 20 minutes.

Remove from oven, brush with a third coat of BBQ sauce and allow to sit for 5 minutes.

Slice, serve, and Enjoy!

Rosemary Smashed Fauxtatoes (Stuff I Make My Husband)

1 head of cauliflower, cut into small pieces
1/2 lb of turnips, peeled and cut into 1" chunks
1 TBSP fresh rosemary, minced
1 TBSP butter (or olive oil or ghee)
1 TBSP coconut milk (can substitute regular milk)
1/2 tsp tobasco sauce
pepper and salt, to taste

In a large saucepan, bring 1" of water and a pinch of salt to boil. 

Place the turnips in a single layer on the bottom of the pot.

Place the cauliflower pieces on top.

Cover and cook until very tender and just slightly overcooked.

Drain.

Place the veggies in a food processor with the remaining ingredients and process until smooth.

Taste for seasoning and Enjoy!