Ciao Bella

Family is coming over for brunch and I wanted to cook something light but hearty, and simple but fancy. Here's a good main feature for a simple family brunch.

Italian Style Meatloaf Muffins

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 red pepper, seeded, small diced 1 onion, diced 2 teaspoons (about 3 cloves) chopped garlic 1 pound ground pork 2 eggs 3/4 cup bread crumbs 1 cup grated Parmesan 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons chopped basil leaves 1 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 Italian Sausage filleted.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a medium saute pan over medium heat and add the peppers, onions and garlic. Saute until just soft, remove to a plate and cool.
When the peppers and onions are cool, combine all of the remaining ingredients together. You may or may not cook the onions.

Bake for approximately 20-30 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer registers 160 degrees F in the middle of the meatloaf. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Makes approximately 18 muffins.