Serbian Meatloaf

Ingredients

 * 8 smoked streaky, rindless bacon slices
 * 2 lean bacon slices, diced
 * 1 onion, finely chopped
 * 2 garlic cloves, crushed
 * 115 g / 4 oz / 2 cups fresh bread crumbs
 * 90 ml / 6 tbsp milk
 * 450 g / 1 lb lean minced beef
 * 450 g / 1 lb lean minced pork
 * 2.5 ml / ½ tsp chopped fresh thyme
 * 30 ml / 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
 * 2 eggs,beaten
 * salt and freshly ground black pepper
 * herby, mashed potatoes and carrots, to serve

Directions

 * 1) Preheat the oven to 200 °C / 400 °F.
 * 2) Butter a 1.75 litre / 3 pint / 7½ cup loaf tin with the slices of streaky bacon.
 * 3) Stretch the slices with the back of a knife, if necessary, to completely fill the tin.
 * 4) Fry thediced bacon in a large frying pan until almost crisp.
 * 5) Stir in the onion and garlic and fry for a further 2–3 minutes until they are soft and a pale golden brown.
 * 6) In a large bowl soak the bread crumbs in the milk for 5 min, or until all the milk is absorbed.
 * 7) Add the minced meats, bacon, Onion, garlic, herbs and eggs to the breadcrumbs.
 * 8) Season and mix well.
 * 9) Spoon the mixture into the loaf tin.
 * 10) Level the top and cover the tin with foil.
 * 11) Bake for about 1hour and half.
 * 12) Turn out and serve in slices, with herby mashed potatoes and carrots.