GOODNESS
Celery: Celery isn't just for Bloody Marys, although that's as close as many people get to this healthful veggie. Celery may have been used as a hangover cure in ancient Rome, but its real power lies in its ability to lower blood pressure and to keep your weight under control. If you have either of these problems (and they often travel together) you could do worse than grabbing a stalk of celery to chew on.

Garlic: Garlic is in the same family as onions and leeks, and purportedly provided ancient Roman soldiers the courage to battle the barbarians. Whether or not it gives you courage, it is known to lower blood pressure, which is great for your heart and helps prevent stroke. In addition, it has a long history as a digestive aid, so don't be shy with this wonderful herb, no matter what it does to your breath!

Parsley: This refreshing herb is good for your breath and is apparently refreshing to the rest of your body. Like all green herbs, it is loaded with chlorophyll, which is just good for people. It helps you build tissue and fight inflammation. It has even been shown to help manage blood sugars and helps to keep your weight in check. More studies are needed, but it may even help to fight cancer. All that, and a breath freshener too? Who could ask for more?
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Recipe

Buffalo Meat Loaf

serves
prep time: 10
cook time: 80

ingredients

  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 celery ribs, cut into 0.25 inch dice
  • 1 carrot, cut into 0.25 inch dice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 3/4 pounds ground buffalo
  • 6 shallots, cut into 0.333 inch wedges
  • 6 plum tomatoes, each cut into 6 wedges
  • 1/3 cup water

directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cook onion, celery, carrot, and garlic in 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over moderate heat until onion is softened. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in bread crumbs, parsley, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir in buffalo (do not overmix) and form mixture into a 10- by 4 inch oval loaf in a large shallow metal baking pan. Toss shallots and tomatoes with remaining teaspoon oil and salt and pepper to taste, then scatter around meat loaf. Bake in middle of oven 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted 2 inches into center registers 160 degrees. Transfer meat loaf and vegetables to a platter and let stand 10 minutes.

sauce:

While meat loaf is standing, deglaze baking pan with water over moderate heat, scraping up brown bits, and pour through a fine sieve into a bowl.

Serve meat loaf with shallots, tomatoes, and sauce.