Not Yo Mama's Meatloaf!

This recipe was inspired by a low-carb cookbook that featured a very promising meatloaf recipe. Unfortunately, that day I had few ingredients to match the book's recipe, so I opted to substitute almost everything with something somewhat equivalent in savoriness that I already had in my fridge (read: I was cleaning the fridge of leftovers!). The result? A delicious, super low-carb, semi-lean protein meal! No pictures, sorry - but trust me, this "dump" dish is super tasty!

What you need:

• 1/2 lb cooked venison sausage
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 grilled medium eggplant*
• 1/4 grilled medium red pepper*
• 1/4 grilled portabella mushroom*
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup korean sweet bbq sauce**

* These items do not necessarily need to be grilled before dumping into your meatloaf. Again, this recipe is based on leftovers found in the fridge; follow as meticulously or as carelessly as you like!
** Can't find it?  Also known as Bulgolgi sauce, Koreans are known for slathering it on meat!  Check your grocer's international food section, or look up an asian grocery store in your area.  Unless you live in say, rural Montana, you'll most likely have one nearby.

What you do:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Dice up all your grilled veggies, then toss in with all other ingredients except for Korean BBQ sauce. Use your hands to combine.
• Lightly spray a small loaf pan with cooking spray (canola or olive oil). Pack meat mixture into loaf pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle on more parmesan if you'd like!
• Place loaf pan into oven, cook for 10 min. Remove loaf pan from oven and brush one thick coat of Korean BBQ sauce. Be sure to slather the sauce enough to drip down the sides of the loaf pan. Return to oven for additional 10 min.
• Remove loaf pan again and coat with the rest of the BBQ sauce. Set broiler and let broil for 5 min; this will caramelize the sauce and render a beautiful crust on the meatloaf!
• Remove loaf pan once more and let rest 10 min before serving.

What you get:

• Yields about 3 servings (or just 2 if you're going for seconds!)
• A very happy boyfriend! Well, that's what I got :)