2 lbs. ground beef
1 lb. ground pork
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 fairly lg. onion, finely chopped
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 crumbled bay leaf
1/2 tsp. crumbled thyme leaves
1 tsp. freshly chopped green pepper
1/2 c. dry bread crumbs
2 eggs
Bacon or salt pork

Mix all ingredients, except bacon, thoroughly blended. Form into a long loaf or cake and press firmly. Arrange enough slices of bacon or salt pork on the bottom of a baking pan to hold the meat loaf. Brush the loaf with butter and cross with 2 to 4 additional slices of bacon. Bake at 325 degrees, basting occasionally, for 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours, or until meat loaf is cooked through. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.