False Hare (German Meatloaf)

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Meatloaf

• 1/2 lean ground beef
• 1/2 lean ground pork
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons bread crumbs
• 3 tablespoons cold water
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 3 hard cooked eggs, peeled
• 4 bacon strips
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup beef broth

Sauce

• 1/4 cup hot water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Thoroughly mix ground meats, onion, bread crumbs, 3 tablespoons cold water and eggs. Season with salt, paprika, mustard and parsley. Blend ingredients thoroughly.
3. Flatten out meat mixture in the shape of an 8-inch square. Arrange whole hard cooked eggs in a row along the middle of the meat. Fold sides of meat patty over the eggs. Shape meat carefully into a loaf resembling a flat bread loaf. Occasionally rinse hands in cold water to prevent sticking.
4. Cube 2 strips bacon; cook in a Dutch oven for about 2 minutes. Carefully add the vegetable oil; heat.
5. Place meatloaf in the Dutch oven and cook until browned on all sides.
6. Cut remaining bacon strips in half and arrange over the top of the meatloaf.
7. Place uncovered Dutch oven in oven for about 45 minutes.
8. While meat is baking, gradually pour hot beef broth over the top of the meatloaf, brushing occasionally with pan drippings.
9. When done, remove meat to a preheated platter and keep it warm.
10. Add 1/4 cup of hot water to pan and scrape all particles from the bottom. Bring to a gentle boil and add cornstarch that has been mixed with 1/4 cup water. Cook until bubbly and thick.
11. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. Reheat to warm.
12. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
13. Serve the sauce separately.