Sundays are for family

Sundays are for God, family, friends and good food. For me it includes washing clothes, cleaning the kitchen, etc., because sometimes Sunday is the only day I have off.

When I was little, before the Super Walmarts and 24-hour fast food places, nothing was open on Sunday. You got up fairly early, went to church, came home to eat a big lunch and just hung out with the family. Oh, how I wish we could go back to those days!

I am very busy during the week and have no problem whipping up something boxed or frozen for dinner, but Sundays — that's the day I treat my family.

I love to cook. It's like therapy for me. When I'm in the kitchen it makes me happy — unless it's a mess!

I like to experiment with different foods and recipes. Sometimes Michael and Brianna don't like it, and I have to admit sometimes I don't either. (Michael says, "I don't think you need to cook that again!")

I like to start from scratch. No shortcuts. When I make Apple Cake, I peel, core and chop fresh apples by hand. When the cake comes out of the oven it's very satisfying knowing I made it!

Today I cooked some of my favorite foods: Momma's meatloaf, hashbrown casserole and butterbeans.  It's comfort food, it's fattening and it's good! From start to finish took about 1 1/2 hours. Not too bad. I have made things that took longer.

I cooked extra so we can have leftovers tomorrow. When you've had a really busy day it helps knowing you don't have to cook when you get home! And Monday is going to be busy!

Below is the recipe for momma's meatloaf. It's really good and it's the only meatloaf I will eat. Except for a few minor changes, it's the same meatloaf my mother cooked when I was little. All measurements are approximate because this is not a recipe from a book. It's from memory. I tried to upload a photo, but it didn't work. Hopefully it will be on here soon.

Keeping it sweet and simple,
Helen
 

Momma's Meatloaf

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 egg
3 tbl. worcestershire sauce
3 tbl. ketchup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 slice bread, torn into small pieces (preferably the end piece)
about 10 saltine crackers, crushed
dash of basil and garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients and shape into a loaf. Bake at º375 for 1 hour. Remove meatloaf from oven and coat top with about 1 cup ketchup. ( I just squeeze it all over the top until it looks like enough!) Return meatloaf to oven and cook for 15 more minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing.
Enjoy!

This is my first time blogging. I'm not quit sure what I wish to accomplish doing this, but it seemed to be a good idea at the time.

Let me begin by introducing myself.

My name is Helen Reynolds. I am 42 and the mother of two children. One is 23 and the other is 5.

Yes, I did type that correctly! Kristin is 23 and Brianna is 5. I love both of them very dearly.

I have lived in the same small southern town my whole life. I attend the same Catholic church my parents, grandparents and great-grandparents attended. I am a very traditional person. I believe in the same core values my ancestors believed. I don't like hypocrites, liars or thieves. And I believe everyone should be held accountable for there own actions.

I strive to live my life as God would want, although I tend to fall short - a lot! What can I say, I am human after all!

I  love to do things for my family and have a hard time saying no, even when I know I am stretching myself thin.

My life can get very hectic. Between a stressful job and school functions and home life, sometimes I am ready to just pull my hair out!

The name of my blog best describes how I try to live. KEEP IT SWEET and SIMPLE. I hope to share ideas that help me get through the good days and the bad. Easy ideas on cleaning, cooking, spending quality time with the family, etc. And just sharing my opinions on different topics.

I haven't cornered the market on these things, but I have learned a few things over the years. And anyone who has their own ideas are welcome to share them here.

I hope this turns into something great!

Trying to Keep It Sweet and Simple!
Helen