Tonight when Joe and I were watching the kids racing their bicycles, we commented yet again on how quickly they are growing. I know that’s a cliche….as soon as an infant pops from the oven, random strangers yell out, “Enjoy them while they’re little! They don’t stay that way very long!”. I am suspicious, though, that right now–when they are 12, 9, and 7–is probably the ultimate season of parenting. As Joe so aptly stated tonight, “Things have just gotten better since they stopped using the bathroom in their diapers!” Boy, is he right! And Joe and I both have worked with teenagers long enough to know that the time coming up holds its own challenges…

With this parenting era zooming by so fast, I often review our lives and ask myself, “Are the most important bases covered?” I tend to think they are…the children are learning, they’re healthy, they’re loved and they know how to work and play. So what about the extras? I look back at my childhood and let my emotions remember what was so great about being a kid. And a funny thing pops up again and again: Mom’s cooking.

Let’s face it…eating is an important part of the day. Sometimes I *really* don’t like being responsible for feeding this family each and every (big huff) day! I even chose a cruise for our last vacation for the sole reason that I wouldn’t have to even think about what to feed them!  But when I think back to my childhood I can remember the smell and the taste and the texture of Mom’s potato soup….the Indian fry bread….the meat and potato casserole…the Shake and Bake chicken…and the apple pie (wow…we liked our carbs! lol).

I like to imagine my children when they are grown remembering their mom’s cooking: the chocolate chip cookies, rice pudding, chicken and dumplings, or red beans and rice (yes, I still like the carbs!). One of our favorite meals is meatloaf because sometime in the last 17 years I ran across a good recipe and I thought I’d share it with you (below). This meatloaf is extra special because every time I make it I cook double and we take it to our friends’ home and share. Whenever we start to crave meatloaf, it means it’s time to go see our dear friends!

Now tell me…what are the favorite food memories from your childhood? Or what is the fabulous recipe your family enjoys?

Blue Plate Special Meat Loaf

(I promise: it’s good!)

2 tbs butter

1 medium onion, finely chopped

½ medium size stalk celery, finely chopped

¼ cup finely chopped green pepper

1 clove garlic, minced

1 egg

1 ¼ lb ground beef chuck (you want chuck or very lean beef)

½ cup ketchup

1/3 cup of saltines crushed

1 tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

(p.s. I usually make it without the green pepper or celery 😉

1. Preheat oven to 350. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add onion, celery and green pepper and sauté, stirring occasionally until almost tender—about five minutes. Add garlic and sauté, stirring occasionally until vegetables are tender but not brown –about one minute more; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat egg slightly. Add ground beef., ¼ cup ketchup, crackers, salt, pepper and sautéed vegetables.
3. Using your hands, mix LIGHTLY (icky meatloaf is from over mixing and patting..). Turn into an ungreased 8X8X2 square baking dish. Shape into a loaf about 7 inches long and 4-5 inches wide.
4. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Brush top with the remaining ¼ cup ketchup and bake about 20 minutes more until center is cooked.  Pour out grease and let set for 10 minutes before serving. Serves four (can be doubled for company or leftovers)