3 lb. lean ground beef
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 lg. onion, chopped
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
1 bay leaf, crumbled
1/2 tsp. thyme leaves, crumbled
1 tbsp. green pepper, chopped
1/2 c. Gerber's baby rice cereal
3 egg whites
1/4 c. water
4 slices bacon

Mix all ingredients except bacon thoroughly and knead with fingers until mixture is thoroughly blended. Form into a long loaf and press firmly. Arrange two slices of bacon on bottom of baking pan to hold meatloaf. Cross with 2 slices of bacon. Roast at 325 degrees, basting occasionally, for 1 3/4 hours. Let stand on hot platter for 10 minutes before carving it, to settle the juices.