I think I say this everytime . . . I love food . . . and there is nothing better than good ol' comfort food.

I made up this meat loaf recipe over 10 years ago. It has only the things I like and not the things i don't (i.e. green peppers and ketchup). If you are a fan, then by all means add the green stuff in the mix and top it with ketchup the last 10 minutes of cook time.

And nothing goes better with meatloaf than mash potatoes. You will see my secret to the best mash potatoes ever!

Warning: it is horribly bad for you, but tastes so good. Make it sparingly.


GOOD OL' MEATLOAF

2 lbs ground beef (the less fat the better)
1 pkg Lipton Onion Soup Mix
1 Tbsp Worcestershire
1 egg (lightly beaten)
1 cup oats
1(8oz) can tomato sauce
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp sage
(the spices are estimates - I just throw them in.)

Put all ingredients in a large bowl and mix with your hands until well blended. Place in a loaf pan and bake at 375 degrees for 50 minutes.


GUILT RIDDEN MASHED POTATOES

6-8 medium baking potatoes
1 stick butter
1 pkg cream cheese
3/4 - 1 cup milk
salt
pepper (be generous - no guilt here)
fresh chopped chives (optional)

Peel and chop potatoes into no bigger than 1 inch sized cubes. Fill large pot with plenty of water so potatoes are well covered. Add about 1 tsp salt to the water.

If you have time, boil for an hour or more for really soft, creamy potatoes. Otherwise, boil until fork tender (20 - 30 minutes).

Drain and whip with a hand mixer. Add butter and cream cheese. Mix until smooth. Slowly add in milk. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with fresh chopped chives.