My former co-worker Spike, fun in that good “Keep Austin Weird” kind of way, taught me many things. He taught me a dance called The Pencil Sharpener just in time for our annual holiday party. He taught me that you could shop for furniture curbside. One of his prized possessions was a fuzzy pink sofa he got for free. And he taught me that something called Pickapeppa Sauce slathered on top of cream cheese makes a fabulous quick appetizer when served with crackers. I can’t use Pickapeppa Sauce without thinking of Spike.
For #SundaySupper’s apple theme this week, I decided to try a Chicken Apple Meatloaf glazed with Pickapeppa Sauce and served with a Tarragon Tomato Sauce that’s been beefed up with demi-glace. You’ll find Pickapeppa Sauce near the worcestershire sauce in your grocery store. Containing tomatoes, onion, vinegar, mangoes, raisins, garlic, sugar and cloves, it packs a tangy punch. Once you try it on top of meatloaf, you’ll never use ketchup again.
This meatloaf is a little bit drier than most, but you won’t even notice because of the rich tomatoey sauce that’s served with it. The dried apples lend sweetness and the poblano peppers give a tiny bit of kick. Feel free to substitute jalapeños if you want more heat. Tarragon is one of those herbs that that can completely overpower a dish if you use too much. Think of the flavor in a black jelly bean and plan accordingly. Used in moderation and combined with tomatoes and demi-glace, tarragon makes a flavorful sauce to accompany the meatloaf.
This recipe comes from the Tupelo Honey Cafe Cookbook. If you are ever in Asheville, North Carolina, don’t miss the modern Southern cooking at this restaurant.
Chicken Apple Meatloaf
Adapted from Honey Tupelo Cafe Cookbook by Elizabeth Sims with Chef Brian Sonoskus
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced sweet onion, such as Vidalia (about 1 large onion)
1 pound ground chicken
1 egg or 1/4 cup egg substitute
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1 (5 ounce) package dried apples, diced
1 poblano pepper (4-5 inches long), seeded and diced
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons Pickapeppa Sauce
Tarragon Tomato Sauce (recipe below)
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the celery and onion until onion is just translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a large bowl, combine chicken, egg, panko, apples, poblano peppers, salt, pepper and onion/celery mixture. Mix gently and form into a loaf shape. Place in a baking dish just large enough to hold the loaf. (I used an 11- x 7-inch baking dish.)
Bake, uncovered, for about 30 minutes, then spread the Pickapeppa sauce over the top of the loaf and bake until the internal temperature is 160°F, about 30 more minutes. Remove from oven, let rest 5 to 10 minutes, then slice. Serve with Tarragon Tomato Sauce.
Makes 4 servings
Per serving: 362 calories, 14g fat (4g sat), 149mg cholesterol, 855mg sodium, 38g carb, 5g fiber, 27g sugar, 23g protein
Nutritional Analysis: This meatloaf is a good source of Protein and Vitamin B6. (Source: nutritiondata.com). If you’re watching Cholesterol, you may want to use egg substitute or have one slice of meatloaf instead of two.
Tarragon Tomato Sauce
Adapted from Honey Tupelo Cafe Cookbook by Elizabeth Sims with Chef Brian Sonoskus
1/2 cup demi-glace
1 (14 ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
In a heavy saucepan, combine the demi-glace, tomatoes, tarragon and salt. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer until mixture thickens, about 20 minutes. Break up chunks of tomato as they soften. Add pepper just before serving.
Makes 4 servings
Per serving (1/2 cup): 45 calories, 1g fat (0g sat), 0mg cholesterol, 261mg sodium, 7g carb, 2g fiber, 3g sugar, 2g protein
Nutritional Analysis: This sauce is low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol and is also a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folate, Calcium, Magnesium and Copper, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Iron, Potassium and Manganese (Source: nutritiondata.com). If you are watching your Sodium, you may want to reduce or eliminate the sea salt.
The #SundaySupper gang will be sharing apple recipes all afternoon on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram on Sunday, September 23, 2012. We will also have a live chat at 7 p.m. EST on Twitter and will be using the hashtag #SundaySupper. We look forward to answering questions, giving tips and inspiring you to spend more time Around the Family Table with those you love! Thanks to Cindy of Cindy’s Recipes and Writings for hosting this event.
Soups, Salads, Starters and Breads
- Cinnamon Apple Chips – Shockingly Delicious
- Apple Celery Salad – In the Kitchen with Audrey and Maurene
- Mini Apple Pumpkin Pancakes – The Daily Dish Recipes
- Overnight Apple Cinnamon French Toast – In the Kitchen with KP
- Curried Apple and Leek Soup – Soni’s Food for Thought
- Endive Spears Topped With Apple, Blue Cheese and Hazelnut Salad – The Hand That Rocks the Ladle
- Homemade Apple Jam – My Trials in the Kitchen
- Caramel Apple Butter Cheesecake Dip – Chocolate Moosey
- Caramel Apple Bread – famfriendsfood
- Apple Pie Bread – Baker Street
- Apple, Bacon & Brie Popovers – I Run for Wine
- Apple and Almond Brie Puff Pastry – Family Foodie
- Apple, Leek and Gruyere Tarts – There and Back Again
Main Meals
- Slow Cooker Honey Apple Pork Loin – The Meltaways
- Apple-Glazed Meatballs – The Messy Baker
- Apples & Buttons (Ham, Apples and Dumplings) – Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Skillet Pork with Sweet Spiced Apples – Mama Mommy Mom
- Chicken Apple Meatloaf with Tarragon Tomato Sauce – Diabetic Foodie
- Baked Tilapia Apple Crisp – Daddy Knows Less
- Pork Tenderloin with Calvados Cream Sauce – Sustainable Dad
- #SundaySupper Pulled Pork Sandwich With Pickled Red Onions – Kwistin’s Favorites
Sides
- Harvest Rice – Webicurean
- Wild Rice with Apples, Dried Cranberries, and Walnuts – Ruffles and Truffles
- Apple Topped Sweet Potato Mash – Momma’s Meals
- Warm Spice Pecan Raisin Apple Chutney – Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
Desserts
- Double Apple Pot Pie – What Smells So Good?
- Apple Walnut Coffee Cake – The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
- Apple Streusel Cobbler – Big Bear’s Wife
- Apple & Moroccan Cinnamon Gooey Sticky Buns – Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends
- Spiced Caramel Apple Pie – Chelsea’s Culinary Indulgence
- Apple Pear Kuchen for #SundaySupper (Apfel Birnen Kuchen) – Galactosemia in PDX
- Apple Strudel – Magnolia Days
- Old Fashioned Apple Crisp with Caramel Sauce – Noshing with the Nolands
- Apple Cheesecake – Vintage Kitchen
- Caramel Apple Crumble Bars – Hezzi D’s Books and Cooks
- Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – From Fast Food to Fresh Food
- Cinnamon Apple Dessert Chimichangas – Juanita’s Cocina
- Nutella Apple Quesadilla- Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts
- Apple Crisp Ice Cream – Cravings of a Lunatic
- Bavarian Apple Torte – The Lovely Pantry
- Streusel Apple Crumb Pie + Pie Freezer Kits – Meal Planning Magic
- French Apple Cobbler with Cinnamon-Maple Whipped Cream – Weekend Gourmet
- Chunky Apple-Apricot Bread Pudding – Comfy Cuisine
- Apple Butter Spice Cake – Home Cooking Memories
- Apple Pie and Custard – Happy Baking Days
- #GlutenFree Deep Dish Carmel Apple Pie – Cooking Underwriter
- Apple Brownies – That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Country Apple Dumplings – Mom’s Test Kitchen
- Apple-Gingersnap Cookies – Tora’s Real Food
- Apple and Cranberry Turnovers – Flour on my Face
- Applesauce Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake with Caramel Glaze – Hip Foodie Mom
- Caramel Frosted Apple Cookies – No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
- Apple and Pecans Cake – Basic N Delicious
- Apple Pull Apart Monkey Bread – Gotta Get Baked
Beverages
- Spiced Apple Ale – Small Wallet Big Appetite
- Apple Chia Tea – Pippi’s in the Kitchen Again
Your friend Spike sounds like someone I would really like to know. And this recipe looks very interesting but I have a question, what is Pickapeppa Sauce?
Laura – Here’s more info about Pickapeppa Sauce: http://www.pickapeppa.com/.
Apple and chicken meatloaf – what an incredibly unique recipe!
Tarragon and chicken are a wonderful combination. I would have never thought of apples in a savory meatloaf or dish like this. Thanks for the inspiration and sharing this recipe.
Those flavors sound so good – my mouth is watering at the thought of pickapeppa sauce! It looks so inviting too – pass me a fork, please!
Love the idea of adding apple to a meat loaf, Bet my kids would love that! The sauce looks gorgeous !!! Hearty & wholesome. Will be great for lots of stuff I think. Thanks for sharing. Will be making both soon :)
Now I know what to do with my ground chicken! Thank you!
This meatloaf sounds right up my alley! I usually make meatloaf with white meat turkey or chicken since I don’t eat red meat, so this is going on my list of new recipes to try!
I’ve never tried anything but beef in a meatloaf, this looks so different and delicious!
The Pencil Sharpener? I think I need to see this dance. My husband does the sprinkler (he’s such a nerd). I have never had chicken meatloaf, and I believe that has to change. Like, now. This really does look delicious. Happy #SS!
Jennie – Right hand goes behind your back and moves in a circular motion (the crank). Left hand goes out straight in front (the pencil). Hips rotate as you “crank.” Note there will be no YouTube video of me doing this dance :)
This looks great! Chicken and apples sounds really good together.
I have this cookbook but haven’t made this dish! Now I have no excuse because you made it look so amazing!
This is so packed with flavors! I got to try it! :)
Looks so delicious and with such lovely flavors!!Need to find pickapeppa sauce!!
This looks great! Love how the top got kinda crispy. I’ll look for that sauce!
I’ve been craving meatloaf lately – this looks like it would totally quell that craving!
We LOVE meatloaf, so I’m always looking for creative new ways to serve it. LOVE this…and that it’s healthy! Great #SS pick!!
What a great idea. Chicken and apple can be so great together.
What a great idea! I’d never have thought to put apples in meatloaf! Brilliant! I can imagine the wonderful tangy goodness…YUM! Nicely done!
I don´t know what pickappepa sauce is, but this meatloaf is such a wonderful twist on the traditional! Love the chili kick. Happy Sunday!
This looks amazing!! I was just wondering what to do with the ground chicken I have in my freezer….mmmm……the sauce sounds interesting too! Adding to my list this week! Thanks for sharing!
This sounds fantastic!
This sounds really tasty. Beautiful!
Yum! Tarragon + chicken + apples sounds like a delicious combination!
We love meatloaf around here and love trying new recipes–this sounds like a great combination! My friend Abel used to put ripe bananas in his meatloaf, and it’s amazing how that mild sweetness blends in so well!
Bananas? Wow!
My oldest son loves meatloaf… I love this healthier version and the sauce has to be amazing!
Oh, yummy!!! I LOVE meatloaf and apples are such a wonderful addition! I need to pick up some Pickapeppa :)
Once again, your recipe blew me away. I love Pickapeppa. I use it in so many recipes. Thanks for sharing!
Oh wow, what a variety of flavors! This sounds like a flavorful and tasty meatloaf.
I have never had chicken meatloaf before, this looks really good!
I want to meet Spike. I would LOVE a pink sofa, it’s a dream to have one some day.
Love this meatloaf, such a cool combination of tastes. I really love meatloaf so am happy to see a jazzed up version I can try out.
Yum! This reminds me of chicken apple sausages, which is a favorite. The sauce also looks extremely flavorful a great compliment to the meatloaf.
I love that you used dried apples in this recipe. It looks fabulous!!
Love the sweet and spicy with this. Never though of putting apples with a meatloaf!
You definitely surprise here with a really unique combination of flavors. I may have to try making this just to see how it all works together. I can’t even imagine what it tastes like, but I’m sure it’s good. That tomato sauce looks very versatile too. I may start there.
I have never had meatloaf before but I would love to try! this looks great!
What an interesting recipe. I’ve never had a chicken meatloaf but I bet it tasted great with the added apples.
I love meatloaf and I make a version of it with ground turkey. This sounds awesome! I love all the different elements, the apple providing the sweet, peppers packing a bit of a punch, and ground chicken for a leaner, lighter flavour. I’ve never heard of Pickapeppa sauce but your description makes me want to buy some and slather it over all my food!
Love this meatloaf with lots of vegetables and apples….delicious!
Wow, this looks wonderful! So inventive!
The meatloaf sound delicious, but I am also intrigued by said Pickapeppa Sauce! What is that???? lol
Wow! I bet its incredibly moist and packed with flavour even days later
I will be trying this recipe. Sounds perfect for my diet. I love how when I clicked on demi-glace it took me to section where you explained it and how to make it. Such a great recipe.
I need to see the dance called The Pencil Sharpener LOL! :-) I love making meatloaf this time of year. What a fun idea to add apples, your recipe sounds delicious! Hugs, Terra
So awesome! I love the chicken/apple meatloaf idea…can’t wait to make it!
I’ve never heard of chicken apple meat loaf, but it sure does look good!