Beware the Ides!

It's a month late, but we're leaving TOMORROW to go Back East to celebrate the 25th Anniversary (more or less) of the Ides of Meatloaf with Evil Twin and Co. It's the first time in probably 20 years we've celebrated it together so it will be extra-special.

You can read the back story through the link above, but in short, it's our paen to Mid-century convenience foods, a celebration of Mid-century, Middle American cuisine in all its dehydrated, canned, and gelled glory. We remember fondly the era when plastic was king, Tang was a healthy beverage, and green Jello with pears counted as a vegetable. The centerpiece of the celebration -- the glorious Meatcake -- is a tribute to the meatloaves of our youth.

Here are the wrap-ups from 2008 and 2009. This year, ET has contacted the food editor from her local newspaper, so who knows what might happen? It might even become news!

What are we bringing this year, for this most momentous celebration? Mr. B insists on a classic family recipe from his youth, the iceberg wedge with Thousand Island dressing, complete with hard-boiled egg. It was Dwight Eisenhower's favorite, you know. I was drawing a blank until I remembered my MIL's recipe for Spamburgers, a delicacy made of Spam, Velveeta, and hard-boiled eggs run through a meat grinder then bound with mayo. Or Miracle Whip, if you want to be authentic. The concoction is spread on the bottom of a (white, soft) hamburger bun and broiled. I think it will be the perfect appetizer. We could even cut them into little shapes!

I suspect that I will have a full (burp!) report next week, complete with photos. Costumes aren't a part of the original tradition, but the East Coast Chapter instituted an apron contest a few years back and I think it's a grand idea. Wait until you see the apron I bought off etsy - it's gorgeous! And Mr. B will be rocking his brand new 100% acrylic argyle vest. With a short-sleeved white shirt, of course.

So if you have a notion this weekend, whip up a meatloaf and a Jello mold, or some other prized quick-n-dirty comfort food from your youth, and raise a glass to the Ides of Meatloaf. And tell me what you made, ok?