I don’t know about you, but fall is my fave. Summer’s heat has faded to easy warmth, holiday craziness is still distant, well-worn hoodies are back in everyday rotation … as well as my favorite autumnal comfort foods (and no, I don’t mean pumpkin spice). I’m talking about fire-up-the-oven classics, cool-weather crops, rich and cheesy indulgences.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good grill-out, but October begs you to sink your teeth into something a little heartier. Something that warms up your soul as well as your kitchen. And that’s where Castle Prime Meats, once again, saves the day.
“Whether you want to cook or don’t want to cook, we’ve got you covered.” Zack Lewis, Castle’s manager, sums it up perfectly. Pantry and fridge staples, fresh veg, breads, and of course, a superior selection of high-quality meats—they’ve got it all (and then some).
But Castle also takes the prep out of the daily dinner dance, with heat-and-eat heroes like lobster mac, smoked and roasted main dishes, slaws and pasta salads. Even better? Shop owner John Ness is sharing some of Castle’s best-kept secrets with us—a complete meal, their go-to fall foods.
Of course, everything you’ll need to recreate this repast is available right in-store. And, on any given day, each dish is likely also available to just grab-and-go. The choice is yours. But Castle makes it so easy (and oh-so good).
Facebook.com/people/Castle-Prime-Meats/100093664571235/ | 10486 Loveland Madeira Rd, Loveland | 513.677.2442
Broccoli Apple Salad
Ingredients
1 head broccoli
1 Honeycrisp apple
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup red onion, diced
1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
½ cup shredded Swiss cheese
3 slices bacon, cooked crisp and diced
Instructions
Cut broccoli into bite-size chunks, while bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Plunge broccoli pieces into boiling water for 60 seconds, remove and transfer immediately to an ice bath. Drain after 30 seconds; set aside.
Peel and dice the apple. Add lemon juice to 2 cups of water, then add apple pieces to soak. Drain after 5 minutes and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, mayo, onion, and vinegar. Add broccoli and apple, mix well. Add cheese and bacon, mix again. Chill at least 2 hours before serving.
Castle Prime Meatloaf
Ingredients
2 lb ground chuck
1 lb ground pork
1 cup yellow onion, diced
½ cup milk
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups breadcrumbs
1 tbsp. Kosher salt
1 tbsp. black pepper
1 tbsp. dried oregano
2 tsp. powered garlic
2 tsp. powdered mustard
4 oz ketchup
4 oz A.1. Original Steak Sauce
2–4 strips uncooked bacon
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, or mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, thoroughly mix all ingredients (minus the bacon strips.). In a casserole pan, form into a loaf, and layer the top with bacon. Bake for 45 minutes (or until internal temp is 160°); let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Three-Cheese Potato Pancakes
Ingredients
2 lb of Idaho potatoes
2 egg yolks, beaten
½ lb shredded mozzarella
6 oz Brie, rind removed and cut into small pieces
½ cup crumbled feta
Instructions
Peel potatoes, then cut into thick shreds with either a box grater or mandolin. Place potato shreds in a bowl of salted cold water for 10 minutes. Drain potatoes, then pat well with paper towels to dry.
In a large bowl, add potatoes, egg yolks, and cheeses; mix well to combine. Form into flat patties approximately 4–5 inch in diameter, either by hand or using a round container as a mold. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper, and arrange potato pancakes onto tray without touching. Chill for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 400°. Bake pancakes approximately 40 minutes or until golden brown. Alternately, bake at 375° with meatloaf, increasing cook time to 55 to 60 minutes. Remove and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.