Comfort Food is Back!

I've been reading in recent editions of those fancy gourmet food magazines that "comfort food" is making a comeback. Many of the best restaurants in town are currently offering dishes such as meatloaf and mash potatoes on their menus. Some attribute this trend to feelings of insecurity in an unsettled world. Having some of Mom's meatloaf and mash potatoes can provide some much needed, good old fashioned comfort to our lives. I say it's the food we were raised on (in America anyway) and we've always liked it (whether we were willing to admit it or not). It definitely comforts the tummy and warms the soul. So here is my "cheap chic" comfort recipe contribution to the world at large.

Cheap Chic Meatloaf and Gravy

2 lbs of lean ground burger
1/4 cup finely chopped onions (1/2 med onion)
1/4 cup chopped green or red pepper (1/2 med bell pepper)
1/2 cup of bread crumbs (I use Progresso brand)
2 eggs
2 tbs of tomatoe sauce (from 8 oz can, below) or ketchup
1 tsp of Italian seasoning
1-2 cloves of chopped/minced garlic
1/4 tsp each Salt and Pepper
1 8 ounce can tomatoe sauce
1 packet of beef gravy mix or a jar/can of beef gravy (any brand)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
In a large bowl, using your hands with a little water on them, mix the first nine ingredients together just enough to blend. Do not over mix, this can make your meatloaf tough. Form meat mixture into an oblong loaf and place it in an oil coated casserole dish or crockpot (depending on how it will be cooked). Spread the 8 ounces of canned tomatoe sauce over the loaf to coat it. Bake (covered) in a 375 degree oven for 1 and 1/2 hours or cook in crockpot on high for 4 hours or on low for 7-8 hours.

Note: Personally I like my meatloaf cooked in the crockpot. It is much more tender and moist when it's done! Just slap it together put it in the crock and forget about it for many hours till it's done. Also, it creates a comforting aroma in the house all day! Sometimes I mix a splash of red wine in the tomatoe sauce that I use to coat the meatloaf with and sprinkle Italian seasonings on the top! ooh la la!

To make gravy I prepare the beef gravy packet, jar or can according to the directions, then I add the juices from the cooked meatloaf. This makes a delicious gravy to top any type of potatoes. I especially like the boiled red potatoes with the skins left on.

This meatloaf also makes an awesome sandwich for the next day. Spread a little mayo on a couple of slices of sourdough bread (or bread of you choice) then cut a couple of 1/2 inch slices of meatloaf and place between the bread with a little salt and pepper. This makes a rustic little gourmet sandwich!

Tootles, Stacey