Meatloaf with Chipotle Glaze

I've been thinking that after meatballs comes meatloaf. I already have 2 types of meatballs I've mastered, so I thought a good meatloaf couldn't be that hard. Apparently one can make a "bad" meatloaf...too dry, thin layer of ketchup on top, etc. I was determined to make something absolutely scrumptious and here it is. The texture is just right, and the glaze is the perfect consistency because of the honey. (Not being a meatloaf expert I had my friend Cyndi who is an fantastic cook taste it. She and all three of her kids said it was awesome! Sigh...) If finding Chipotle Hot Sauce is a problem, substitute regular hot pepper sauce. 

Meatloaf with Chipotle Glaze

adapted from food network.com

INGREDIENTS

• • 6 ounces garlic-flavored croutons
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 onion, roughly chopped
  • 1 carrot, peeled and broken
  • 3 whole cloves garlic
  • 1/2 red bell pepper
  • 18 ounces ground chuck
  • 18 ounces ground sirloin
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten

• For the glaze

  • 1/2 cup catsup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Dash Worcestershire sauce
  • Dash Chipotle hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey

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INSTRUCTIONS

• 1. Heat oven to 325 degrees F.
  2. In a food processor bowl, combine croutons, black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and thyme. Pulse until the mixture is of a fine texture. Place this mixture into a large bowl. Combine the onion, carrot, garlic, and red pepper in the food processor bowl. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped, but not pureed. Combine the vegetable mixture, ground sirloin, and ground chuck with the bread crumb mixture. Season the meat mixture with the kosher salt. Add the egg and combine thoroughly, but avoid squeezing the meat.
  3. Pack this mixture into a 10-inch loaf pan to mold the shape of the meatloaf. Onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, turn the meatloaf out of the pan onto the center of the tray. Insert a temperature probe at a 45 degree angle into the top of the meatloaf. Avoid touching the bottom of the tray with the probe. Set the probe for 155 degrees.
  4. Combine the catsup, cumin, Worcestershire sauce, Chipotle hot sauce and honey. Brush the glaze onto the meatloaf after it has been cooking for about 10 minutes.