I was recently invited to try a new Boston Market "regional American" offering, Chipotle meatloaf. I found the meatloaf to be moist and tasty, but what I was really impressed with was the gravy. It was spicy, and actually tasted like it had Chipotle pepper in it! Why the surprise? Well, usually when a casual dinning, or fast food chain, introduces something like this, it's a weak, watered down version.

I don’t blame these chains, as I'm sure they do extensive research. I blame us, the American public. For the most part, Americans have always chosen bland and familiar, over bold and exotic. That's why this meatloaf and gravy tasting was so encouraging.

Have we finally arrived as a culinarily experimental nation? Did Boston Market's focus groups scream, "make it spicier?" Am I making too much out of one plate of meatloaf and gravy? Probably, but it was a nice surprise. One word of warning for you "no cheese please" folks; the meatloaf came with a healthy sprinkling of cheddar cheese on top. There was no mention of cheese on the menu, or by the person taking the order.

I've posted my recipe for Chipotle gravy to try on top of your next meatloaf. Enjoy!

Photo © John Mitzewich