Mashed Potato Bunny Tail Meatloaf Cupcakes

Preparing the Meatloaf

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with parchment cupcake liners, this will ensure the meat doesn’t stick.
2. In a small bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk until they form a loose paste.
3. In a large bowl, combine soaked crumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, grated vegetables, ketchup, Worcestershire, mustard, salt, pepper, paprika. Mix gently.
4. Add ground meat last, mixing just until combined.
5. Chill mixture in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
6. Divide mixture into 12 portions and press into muffin liners. Roll into giant meatballs before pressing into the muffin tin so that they bake more evenly. They should mound above the rim of the tin.
7. Spread a teaspoon of glaze made from ½ cup of ketchup and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar over each.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until internal temp hits 160°F (71°C).
9. Rest 5 minutes before removing from pan.

Preparing the Mashed Potatoes

1. Peel your potatoes and cut them into uniform, 2-inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Add diced potatoes to a bowl of cold water and let them sit for a few minutes. You should see starch sink to the bottom of the bowl. Then rinse them 2-3 times until the water runs clear.
3. Transfer your potatoes to a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them by about 1-2 inches.
4. Over high heat, bring your pot to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for about 15 minutes until they are fork-tender and offer no resistance when pierced with a knife.
5. Once cooked, drain the potatoes in a colander and allow them to sit for 1-2 minutes to release steam.
6. If you’re using a ricer or food mill, place it over another pot to catch the potatoes as you pass them through. You can also use a masher or whisk to mash them directly in the pot you used to boil them.
7. Warm your milk and butter in a separate small pot. Gradually add your warmed milk and butter to the potatoes, gently folding them in with a rubber spatula.
8. Give your mashed potatoes a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

Assembly

1. Once the meatloaf cups and mashed potatoes are slightly cooled, put the potatoes into a piping bag with a star-shaped tip or sandwich bag with a corner snipped off.
2. Pipe the mashed potatoes into a large swirl in the center for a bunny butt and tail, and then add two smaller ovals on either side of the feet.
3. Using a plain pipping tip, cut larger and smaller circles out of salami, ham, or pepperoni, and arrange them in to paw pads on the bunny feet. Serve and enjoy!