A Perfect Fall Meal!

Well I think it's safe to say we've officially taken the jump from summer to fall.  Even though we spent the weekend camping and at the beach today it is windy, cold, and cloudy.  It seemed like the perfect day for a vegetarian nut loaf and some mashed potatoes.  Comfort food at its best.  I think we'll save this one for other gloomy days, even baby liked it (and she doesn't like much)!

Vegetarian Nut Loaf

1.5 cups walnuts

3/4 cup sunflower seeds

2 tbsp butter

1 chopped onion

3 cloves minced garlic

3 stalks chopped celery

4 shredded carrots

1.5 cups sliced mushrooms

1/3 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes

1/3 cup vegetable stock

3 tbsp fresh thyme

1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley

salt and pepper

1.5-2 cups bread crumbs

3 tbsp ground flax seed + 3 tbsp water

1/4 cup ketchup + 1/4 cup brown sugar

*In a food processor, pulse together walnuts and sunflower seeds.  Transfer to a large bowl.

*Saute onion, celery and garlic in butter until soft

*Add carrots, and mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes for another 5 minutes.

*Add stock, thyme, parsley, salt and pepper and reduce.

*Transfer to a food processor and pulse together until mixed well.

*Transfer to walnut mixture and add crumbs and flax seed mixture.  Mix well.

*Pour into a greased loaf dish and brush with ketchup mixture.

*Bake (covered) at 350 for 45 minutes.  Uncover and bake another 5-10 minutes.

*Let sit for 10 minutes before slicing.