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!