BURGUNDY BEEF LOAF

2 1/4 lbs ground beef
3/4 lbs ground pork
1/2 cup Burgundy
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup chopped mushrooms
1/4 cup chopped parsley
2 cups bread crumbs
3 eggs
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons crumbled dried thyme leaves
Salt, pepper
8 slices bacon
Bay leaves
Thyme springs, optional


In large bowl combine ground beef and pork, Burgundy, onion, carrots, mushrooms, parsley, bread crumbs, eggs, garlic and thyme.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Mix with hands to blend thoroughly.  Line bottom of shallow baking dish with 3 to 4 slices bacon.  Shape meat mixture into loaf and place over bacon slices.  Cut remaining bacon slices in halves lengthwise.  Make lattice of bacon to cover loaf, tucking ends under to make neat package.  Tuck bay leaves and thyme springs between some of bacon slices.  Bake at 350 degrees 1 1/2 hours.  Makes about 10 servings.