Combine 1 c. soft bread crumbs (about 1½ slices) and ½ c. applesauce. Add 1 pound ground beef, 1 slightly beaten egg, ¼ c. finely chopped celery, 2 Tbsp. finely chopped onion, 1 tsp. Dijon-style mustard, ½ tsp. salt, and dash pepper; blend thoroughly. Shape into loaf and place in baking pan.

With a spoon, make a depression across top of loaf. Combine ½ c. applesauce, 1 Tbsp. brown sugar, 1½ tsp. cider vinegar, and ½ tsp. Dijon-style mustard; pour into depression. Place partially fried bacon strips across top of loaf, if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Recipe adapted by Alice Gidney