everlasting meatloaf

it was too late when I learned that the vegetable decoration is supposed to resemble an everlasting flower with many petals so will try to do that next time

A meatloaf called "everlasting" may sound unusual and even funny to some but not to those who grew up in the town of Marikina, where my family has lived for 45 years. The name's origin is unknown. From what I read, it was so named for two reasons, the meatloaf keeps very well for days in the refrigerator and that it makes a never-ending appearance on the buffet table at parties and fiestas, so it's forever on the menu :-) Thanks to Adora's Box for the very informative post, recipe and inspiration for this. I'm glad I was finally able to make it at home. The recipe called for  lean ground pork, however, I didn't have any sausages or chorizos so I omitted them. After browning the pork, I drained it well to get rid of the excess fat before adding the chopped bell peppers and tomato paste. I continued to add the rest of the ingredients except for the grated cheese (I used what I have available, an Italian four-cheese combination). I transfered the cooked pork mixture in a bowl and let it cool down before mixing  in the cheese and the eggs. Then I spooned the mixture into the prepared pans (shown below lined with parchment paper) carefully so the vegetable arrangement will stay in its place. 

these oval-shaped aluminum pans are called "llaneras" and are also traditionally used for leche flans

Cover the pans with aluminum foil and steam for 40 minutes. Cool then refrigerate to set. Unmold and scrape off the top with a knife so the vegetable decoration can be seen better. Reheat in the microwave. Garnish with sprigs of pasley and serve warm. Sliced hard boiled eggs may also be used as decoration along with the vegetables. 

a serving of everlasting served with a Spanish vegetable salad, wilted spinach and hard boiled eggs

With this post, I would like to pay tribute to my dear friend who served this traditional Marikina specialty to me and another close friend when we visited her at her home a few years ago. Her family has been making it for many generations. She was born in Marikina and lived there all her life. Whenever I would go back to visit, I would hang out at the bank where she worked and we would have lunch together and catch up. I was so sad when she passed away. Never thought that day when she invited us over was the last time I'd see her. Memories of her are far from sad though. Never a dull moment with her kindness and positive spirit.