Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Coat a skillet with a 2-count of oil and place over medium heat.  Saute the onion, garlic, and bay leaf for a few minutes to create a base flavor.  Throw in the red peppers and cook them for a couple of minutes to soften.  Now add the tomatoes; adding them at this point lets them hold their shape and prevents them from disintegrating.  Stir in the parsley, ketchup, and Worcestershire; season with salt and pepper.  Simmer the relish for 5 minutes to pull all the flavors together.  Remove it from the heat; you should have about 4 cups of relish.

3. Place the panko crumbs in a bowl an add the milk to just barely cover, swish the crumbs around in the milk and let it sit while you get the rest of the ingredients for the meat loaf together.

4. This is where you get your hands dirty!  In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and pork with 1 1/2 cups of the tomato relish, the eggs, and thyme; season with salt and pepper.  Add the bread crumbs and the milk.  Mix well.

5. Lightly oil a cookie sheet.  Transfer the meat mixture to the center of the cookie sheet and form into a log about 9 inches long and about 4 inches wide.  Cook for 40 minutes and then coat the meatloaf with another 1/2 cup of the relish.   

6. Bake for 40 minutes longer.  Remove and let cool a bit before slicing.   Sever with a side of tomato relish.