Norma’s Ham Loaf

 

 

 

Every now and then, someone who sees the wall of cookbook-filled shelves in our kitchen asks if I’ve made something from each book. Sometimes it’s asked in a state of wonder. Sometimes it sounds more judgmental, like why do I have all of these if I don’t use them?

No, I haven’t cooked from each book. But I’m on a mission to change that.

I decided to start with the 2000 edition of The Route 66 Cookbook, which belonged to my late parents. The cookbook is as much travelogue as it is a compendium of recipes, covering Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica, Calif. It presents a slice of American history via the restaurants and diners along the road dubbed the Mother Road by John Steinbeck. The historic road even rated a 1960s TV show, Route 66, and the song (Get Your Kicks on) Route 66.*

This ham loaf is from Norma’s Diamond Cafe, which opened in Sapulpa, Okla., in 1950. A Google search shows that the cafe closed after owner Norma Hall died in 2000.

I crushed flavored croutons for the filler, used a red bell pepper and added dried dill. Taste your ham before adding salt. Add a teaspoon or so to the mixture if it isn’t salty.

I’m sorry I didn’t get to the book sooner; we liked this, especially the bites with the honey-ketchup topping.

 

Norma’s Ham Loaf

 

2/3 lb. smoked ham, ground in food processor

1 1/2 lbs. ground pork

1 cup dry bread crumbs or croutons (crushed)

Salt as needed

1/4 tsp. pepper

2 eggs, well beaten

1 cup milk

1/2 diced red or other bell pepper

1/4 to 1/2 cup diced onion

1 1/2 tsp. dried dill

 

Topping:

1/2 cup ketchup

1/2 cup honey

 

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Combine loaf ingredients in a large bowl and gently but thoroughly mix. Form into an oblong loaf in a sprayed 8.5-by-11-inch baking dish. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, till set.

Combine topping ingredients and pour over hot ham loaf. I would recommend pouring half on the loaf, and saving the rest to drizzle over each serving.

Serves 8.

 

*The Route 66 song was a hit for Nat King Cole’s Trio in 1946. Covers were recorded by performers as diverse as Bing Crosby, The Rolling Stones, Depeche Mode and John Mayer.