Sunday Meatloaf with Mashed Taters and Sweet Peas

Meatloaf

• 2 lbs of ground beef
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp  Heinz 57
• 1 tbsp Grey Poupon Mustard
• 6 tbsp of Ketchup (divided)
• 1/4 cup of chopped sweet yellow onion
• 2 slices of toasted white bread (chopped "fine" in a food processor)
• 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (Tony's)
• 1 tsp salt & pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp of garlic powder
• 4 tbsp of petite style "canned" tomatoes (divided)

In a large bowl, mix all of the above ingredients until well blended, reserving 2 tbsp of petite tomatoes and 4 tbsp of the ketchup for the top. Shape the mixture into a "football". I use a 9x9 Pyrex baking dish. Once you have a nice "shape", spread 4 tbsp of the reserved ketchup and tomatoes on the top. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Take it out of the oven, pour off all the grease and drippings. At this point I usually add about 2 more squirts of ketchup to the top. Pop it back in the oven for 10 more minutes. Let is rest for 5 minutes and serve.

Tomato Gravy

• the rest of your canned petite tomatoes
• 1/4 cup of flour
• 1/4 cup of oil
• 1 cup of chicken broth or water
• salt & pepper to taste

Now, normally I would have FRESH summer tomatoes for this but I've already used them this winter. In a large skillet cook the oil and flour for about 7-9 minutes (roux). Your looking for a "peanut butter" color. Then add your tomatoes. BE CAREFUL, it will be HOT! Using a tater masher, mash the tomatoes and then add your chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Add more liquid if you want a thinner gravy and mash your tomatoes more if you do not like a chunky gravy. Cook for about 5-7 more minutes and serve.

Mashed Taters

• 8-9 medium size Yukon Potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 1 small can of evaporated milk
• 1/2 a stick of "room temp" butter
• salt & pepper

Boil potatoes until fork tender, drain, put them back in the same pot you cooked them in, add the butter, milk, salt, and pepper, mix with a hand mixer or potato masher until fluffy. Lumpy or not, your call :)

Sweet Peas

• 1 large family style sweet peas (early peas)
• 2 tbsp of butter

Open can, add butter, heat it up, serve :)

Dessert: A wonderful Brookshires Valentine's Chocolate Cake...Delish!!

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day! Go kiss someone and make their day :)