MEAT LOAF FOR TWO

Whether you are cooking for two because you are empty nesters, or newly weds, there are certain favorite family recipes that simply make more food than we need. Meat loaf is one of those recipes that I've made (for a crowd) for years, but seldom make it these days because I'm left with to much extra. So, with a little tinkering, I've come up with an excellent meat loaf for two recipe and, I'm happy to say, meatloaf is back on the menu.

It's called "meatloaf for two" but, in reality, since it is made from half a pound of ground beef, you can easily serve two and still have enough for a nice meatloaf sandwich the next day (always a good thing).
MEAT LOAF FOR TWO
½ pound of lean ground beef (90% lean)
3 tablespoons chopped onion
1 egg
1/3 cup saltine cracker crumbs (fine)
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Mix all ingredients and shape into two oval patties (or loaves). Place them on a flat baking sheet (spritzed with cooking spray), a few inches apart (make sure the baking sheet has a lip, so any meat juices won't end up in your oven. Brush with meatloaf glaze and bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes.

MEATLOAF GLAZE

¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
¼ teaspoon worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon ground mustard powder
few drops of liquid smoke (optional)

Whisk together and completely cover the meatloaves (use all of the sauce).

SWEET POTATOES FOR TWO

This was a hard side dish to photograph. You'll just have to trust me, that it is delicious. We get very tired of the same old baked potato or scoop of rice, so this was an excellent change of pace.
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Whipped sweet potatoes, sweetened with brown sugar, butter and vanilla, then baked with a crunchy brown sugared pecan topping. Even my ultra-picky Hubby loved this one.
Don't go by the photo, it tastes great!!

1 cup of mashed sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons brown sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons beaten egg*
1 tablespoon melted butter
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Whip everything with an electric mixer until smooth. Place in a 3 cup (greased) baking dish and top with the following topping. Bake at 350 for 25 - 30 minutes or until hot.

TOPPING
4 tablespoons chopped pecans
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon white flour
1 tablespoon butter
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Mix topping ingredients (fingers work best) and spread evenly on top of sweet potatoes before baking.

NOTE: I had reservations about the pecans, but they are a wonderful addition to the dish. They are sweet, tender and crunchy and a nice contrast to the soft potatoes, I highly recommend you add them.
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NOTE: Recipe calls for two tablespoons of egg. I just put an egg in a cup and mixed it well with a fork, then measured out the amount.
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NOTE: This recipe makes two large servings. If you want more servings, just multiply the ingredients. It's pretty fool proof.