Instructions: In a large skillet over medium high heat, heat the olive oil. Saute the onions until translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook over medium high heat for 3 or 5 minutes. Add the cream, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Cool vegetable mixture.

In large bowl, combine the beef, pork, veal and vegetable mixture. Stir in the egg. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Place a 9- by 5- by 2 1/2-inch loaf pan with the short side facing you. Take bacon slices and place them across the pan, slightly overlapping, to line the bottom and sides. Continue with the meat mixture, patting down to level. Fold the ends of the bacon strips up and over the ground meat mixture.

Place the loaf pan in a larger baking or roasting pan and fill the larger pan with boiling water halfway up the sides of the loaf pan. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil and continue to bake 30 minutes or until an instant read thermometer registers 165 degrees.

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Carefully pour the juices out of the pan. Cut into 8 slices.

Serve with pan juices and "Garlic Mashed Potatoes" or Creamy "Mashed Potatoes With Caramelized Onions" (see recipes).

This recipe yields 8 servings.

Comments: This is one of the most popular dishes in my Cafes, probably because it reminds people of home cooking and their grandmothers! The bacon helps keep the meatloaf moist, a key concern and one of the reasons that I always cook this dish in a water bath.

Wine Recommendation: I like to drink one of my favorite reds with this dish, a wine thats as straight-forward and satisfying as the dish itself. Clos du Bois or Geyser Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon would be my choices, but you might have your own favorite.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.