Lunchbox Liz

As I have probably quoted before, “Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans.” Life certainly has been at it lately. I’ve thrown myself into the yard, because we decided we were going to stay in our current home forever and ever. Then, boom, we are buying a house down the street. Now for a short while (we hope) we will have two houses. I also didn’t plan on a move in the middle of writing a book. But this is life! The new house is zoned for goats and has a 400-square-foot studio out back, and it is away from the road (that used to be a cornfield). The kitchen has a wood burning stove and lots of room. And, the nicest touch of all is that the neighbors on either side are named Joy--Joy will surround us!

Today’s Lunch
Amaranth Meatloaf

1 tbsp coconut oil
1 young garlic bulb or 2 cloves, chopped
1 bunch scallions, chopped
1/2 pound fresh amaranth leaves (or spring greens of choice), washed well and coarsely chopped
1 lb buffalo burger
4 slices of bread, coarsely chopped
1 tbsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne
3/4 cup salsa
salt and pepper to taste

Melt oil in a skillet on medium. Add garlic and cook for a minute, add scallions and cook for another minute. Add spices, cover and cook for five minutes. Add amaranth and stir cover and cook until leaves are tender. Place buffalo in large bowl with bread crumbs and salsa. Add ingredients from skillet and mix—it is easiest to do this with your hands. Place in a 6-by-6-inch baking dish. Cover with tin foil and cook at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Serves 4

Note: One of my favorite lunches as a kid was a cold meatloaf sandwich with fresh lettuce and tomato from the garden. Give it a try!