It’s A Festivus Miracle

One thing that many people do not know about me – [something that I usually reveal while playing an icebreaker/get-to-know-you-game ] is that I used to be a head writer for a Seinfeld Newsletter (I rotate between this fun fact and “my cousin is cookie monster” which is also a favorite).  With over 1500 subscribers, a substantial amount for 1995 prehistoric internet, I quickly escalated to editor status, in charge of the Trivia and Contest sections, creating weekly games, quizzes and contests for devoted Seinfeld fans. Little did the fan club know, that behind the keyboard pounded away a chubby 4th grader with an odd obsession for Jerry Seinfeld.  My love for Seinfeld still exists and in honor of  the fictional December 23rd holiday made famous by the episode “The Strike,” I hosted a traditional Festivus meal, including favorites like meatloaf and a store bought cake decorated with M&Ms, just like the Costanza family.

For those who are unfamiliar with Festivus, it is an alternative way to celebrate the holidays, a time when the family gets together, around an unadorned “Festivus Pole” and practices such traditions as the “Airing of Grievances” and the “Feats of Strength.”  Frank Costanza explains, “And at the Festivus dinner, you gather your family around, and tell them all the ways they have disappointed you over the past year!”

Festivus Meat Loaf
2 lbs ground beef (1 1/2 to 3 lbs)
2 beaten eggs
3/4 to 1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2-1c ketchup (Save some for top)
Touch Worcestershire Sauce (salsa inglesa in Argentina)
Optional celery/minced onions
Garlic (again, optional)
S&P
1/2 C water  (this amount varies..could be optional) depends if you cover it or not..explanation below
**Optional…slice onions and puts them (whole sliced) on the bottom of the loaf pan…meatloaf on top. I also make mashed potatoes to spread on top as well.

1. Mix the finely minced onions, celery and garlic with the ground beef.  Add breadcrumbs and season with kosher salt
2. Add eggs and combine thoroughly, making sure not to squeeze the meat
3. Put the meat in a baking dish and cook for 350 degrees for about an hour.  In a separate bowl, combine the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce  – about 10 minutes into baking, brush the top of the meat loaf with the ketchup to glaze the meat.
4.  When the meat loaf has about 10 minutes left to cook, take it out of the oven and spread the mashed potatoes on top.  Put back in the oven for the remaining time.

As for the Festivus Cake, all you need is a store bought cake (preferably Pepperidge Farm) and M&Ms.  Check out a cake-tastic blog Cake Wrecks and Hurry Up Cakes for more ideas.