Preparation:
 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In large skillet heat
 butter until melted and foaming. Add onions, mushrooms,
 and celery. Season to taste with kosher salt and black
 pepper. Cook 3 minutes, being careful not to brown. 

 2. Sprinkle thyme over onion mixture. Rub garlic and
 pinch of salt into paste; add garlic. Cook and stir until
 onions are tender and translucent. Stir in grated carrot;
 remove from heat. Cool completely. Meanwhile, soak
 bread crumbs in half-and-half; lightly beat in eggs. 

 3. In large mixing bowl combine ground meats, bacon,
 cooled vegetables, and bread crumb mixture. Sprinkle
 the 1-3/4 teaspoons salt and the pepper. Using hands,
 mix until well blended.

4. Turn mixture into rectangular baking dish. Using
 hands, shape into a 9x5-inch loaf. Make shallow
 indentation around sides. Serves 8.

For Ketchup Topping: Combine ketchup, brown sugar,
 and vinegar. Spoon over top of meat loaf. Bake on
 middle rack for 1 hour or until meat thermometer
 reaches 155 degrees F. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

NOTE: There are many "Lower Sodium Bacon" brands available.

                       
 Nutrition Facts:                  Servings Per Recipe 8 servings

Calories 518,                                         Vitamin C (DV%) 10,  

Total Fat (g) 38,                                    Calcium (DV%) 8,     

Saturated Fat (g) 15,                            Fiber (g) 1.5,

Cholesterol (mg) 160,                          Iron (DV%) 17,

Sodium (mg) 350,                               Protein (g) 26,

Carbohydrate (g) 19,

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

NOTE: Buy salt & pepper seasoned only  bulk sausage.
 You may be asked to buy a 5# minimum.
 CAUTION: Some stores add "sausage seasoning"
 to salt & pepper only.
 All recipes are outstanding when using sausage
 without "sausage seasoning" ! Recipes take on a
 whole new flavor with out it.