When I used to ask my Mom what was for dinner, my favorite answer was meatloaf. It is a food that takes me back to the comfort of growing up with my family.

That’s what comfort food usually is. Although, when I asked Tom what his comfort food was, I expected him to say one of the meals I make for him that he loves; but he didn’t. His favorite is his Mom’s Italian sauce over any pasta. Gratefully, she taught me how to make her sauce before she was gone. I should have known his favorite would also be one that reminded him of growing up as a child.

Comfort foods are the dishes you want when you’ve had a rough day.

It’s the perfect way to bless your spouse when you know they’re struggling. Food has a way of comforting us before we take the first bite. It’s the aroma that fills the air that hints of what’s to come.

I’m grateful for the way God made us–our five senses add such a joy to every experience in life. When I had Covid I lost my sense of taste and smell. It was the worst for me. I’m thankful it only lasted a week.

I want to share with you my meat loaf recipe. It may not make it to the level of comfort food for you, but hopefully it will become a favorite. And we’d love to hear what you and your spouse’s comfort foods are. Won’t you share with us in the comments?

EVERDAY MEATLOAF

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1.5 lbs. ground chuck
• 2 slightly beaten eggs
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. pepper
• 1/2 tsp. sage

Piquant Sauce:

• 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp. dry mustard

Directions:

Soak bread crumbs in milk for a minute. Stir into meat adding eggs, onion and seasonings. Mix well. Form into a loaf and place in a greased 13 x 9 pan. Spread piquant sauce over top of meatloaf and bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees or until done.

NOTE: This recipe is from the 1947 edition of Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. This is the year my parent’s were married and was most likely a wedding gift, which makes this recipe even more special to me. It was food they enjoyed as newlyweds. When my Dad passed away in 2004 they had been married for almost 57 years. What a legacy to us their children. Makes me want meatloaf tonight.

Photo by Mae Mu on Unsplash