Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes

Many people don't care for meatloaf, but growing up it was a staple in our household. This recipe is a different, slightly sweeter take on the "typical' meatloaf. Serve a slice of this meat for pure comfort, especially when accompanied with mashed potatoes.

Ingredients: 
2 eggs, beaten
¾ cup milk 
⅔ cup finely crushed peanut butter crackers
¼ cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
½  teaspoon dried leaf sage, basil, or oregano, crushed
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
1½ pounds lean ground beef, ground lamb, or ground pork. 
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon dry mustard

Directions: 
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C)
2. In a medium bowl combine eggs and milk; stir in crackers, onion, parsley, salt, sage, and pepper. Add ground meat; mix well. Lightly pat mixture into an 8x4x2-inch loaf pan. 

3. Bake in a 350° (176°C) oven for 1 to 1¼ hours or until internal temperature registers 160° F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer. Spoon off fat. In a small bowl combine ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard; spread over meat. Bake for 10 minutes more. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting into 8 slices. 

Sour Cream & Chive Mashed Potatoes: 

Ingredients:

1½ pounds baking potatoes (i.e. russet or Yukon gold), peeled and quartered

½ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

½ cup sour cream

3 to 5 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives or 1 teaspoon crushed chives

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan cook potatoes and the ½ teaspoon salt, covered in enough boiling water to cover for 20 to 25 minutes or until tender; drain. Mash with a potato masher or beat with an electric mixer on low speed. Add the 2 tablespoons butter. Season to taste with additional salt and black pepper. Gradually beat in enough milk to make potato mixture light and fluffy. Stir 2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives into the potatoes just before serving. If desired, sprinkle with additional snipped fresh chives and butter. 

This isn't that meatloaf your grandmother forced you to eat, far from it. This meatloaf is sweet, juicy and delicious. The peanut butter crackers add a bit of flair in the way only I can, and combined with the mashed potatoes this dish is sure to become tradition at your house too!