Meatloaf

It seems the two readers of this blog enjoy soup recipes, as do I. I love getting ideas from others as well for new ideas to try. So, thank you CG and Anonymous for your input.

One of my two readers requested a meatloaf recipe. I will post one somewhat hesitantly, as the recipes for meatloaf are endless and the variations too many to count. I also hesitate knowing that American ketchup (or catsup) tastes differently than English ketchup. The ketchup topping could be omitted, I suppose, or substituted with a healthy basting of barbecue sauce.

At any rate, here is a basic, basic meatloaf. We enjoy our meatloaf with mashed potatoes and peas. I also have a recipe for a LARGE batch of meatloaf that I mix and then package up into family sized portions and freeze in gallon-sized zip lock bags (takes less room in the freezer) so all I have to do is thaw, plop in a dish, and bake.

Basic Meatloaf: Single Meal

2/3 cup bread crumbs
1 cup milk
1 1/2 pound quality ground beef
2 eggs slightly beaten
1/4 finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sage
a little pinch of crushed, dried thyme
a little pinch of crushed, dried marjoram

Soak breadcrumbs in milk. Add meat, eggs, onion and seasonings. Place in greased baking dish (I use a bread pan). Bake in moderate oven (350*) for 50-60 minutes.

Add the following ingredients together and pour over meatloaf about 15 minutes prior to meatloaf being done and return to oven to bake off:

3 Tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon mustard

When the meatloaf bug strikes our house, like I mentioned above, I have a recipe for a LARGE batch. Play with the seasonings to fit your family's taste buds before delving into producing massive quantities.

While I'm doing the meatloaf manufacturing gig, I will also make a LARGE batch of mashed potatoes at the same time. When the potatoes have cooled, I place them into meal portions in gallon sized zip lock bags (I will double bag them to prevent leaks) and freeze flat like a pancake. Upon thawing, the mashed potatoes will look like a watery mess, but don't worry -- just put them in a microwavable bowl and microwave on high for a few minutes. They fluff right up and taste like fresh.

The more meals I can get out of a single cooking session the better. Cooking is enjoyable, but sometimes our schedules can get harried and having meals ready to pull out of the freezer is a life saver. Another added bonus of ready-to-go-meals: NO POTS TO CLEAN:)