Meatloaf in a Blanket

Another gem from my sister's family cookbook. This looks like a lot of work, but the steps are really simple and go quickly. The presentation of this is gorgeous -- almost like a "Ground Beef Wellington." Experiment with different breads to give it a different touch each time. Terry adapted this from an early food processor cookbook that advised you to grind the meat yourself. That's not necessary, but PLEASE be sure to use the leanest ground beef and pork possible.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 15 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1  loaf  unsliced  French bread (sour dough is great, round loaves are easiest to work with)
• 1⁄2 cup low-fat milk
• 1  bunch fresh parsley
• 1  tomatoes
• 2  eggs
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 1  garlic clove, crushed
•  pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon oregano
• 1⁄4 teaspoon basil
• 1⁄2 lb lean ground beef
• 1⁄2 lb  ground lean pork
• 1  hot Italian sausage, ground
• 1  tablespoon butter

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Slice off a 7-inch circle from the top of the loaf and scoop out enough bread to leave about a 1/2-inch thick shell. Save the top of the crust for a "lid.".
3. In a food processor or blender, process the bread into crumbs. (You'll need one cup. If there's extra, save it for another recipe.).
4. Put 1 cup bread crumbs in a large mixing bowl, add milk, and let stand for 5 minutes.
5. Finely chop parsley and add to bowl.
6. Dice tomato and add to bowl.
7. Add everything else but the butter to the bowl, roll up your sleeves, and mix well.
8. Pack meat mixture into bread shell. Replace top.
9. Rub butter on bread.
10. Wrap bread in foil and bake at 350 for 2 hours.
11. Use a serrated knife to cut loaf into wedges and serve.