Meat Loaf

When we need comfort, we make meat loaf. So universally gratifying, it's a global food with countless variations. Southwesterners pack in the chili powder, as in this turkey version, topped with crushed crackers and melted cheese. Embutido, from the Philippines, cradles hard-boiled eggs, and is steamed rather than baked, which keeps the beef, pork, and ham mixture moist. The almond crust on the South African curry meat loaf adds crunch, while dried fruit offsets the spice. Danish forloren hare is made with beef and pork; the bacon it's wrapped in makes this rich dish even richer.