Boring Meatloaf and Mac and Cheese (Not)

It sounds boring, I've made it, I had it served by one of the best caterers in Louisville, BUT NOT LIKE THIS. Simple, down to earth and tasty. With all the cold weather this winter, it's comfort food, AGAIN.
 How easy is meatloaf. Ground beef or a Tri mixture of pork, veal, beef. An egg or two, worchestshire, garlic, onions, ketchup, red hot, bread or cracker crumbs, S and P. You got it. Bake on a high temp (425) for 30 minutes then lower the temp to 350 for another 20 minutes. I like it. Crusty on the outside with the juices sealed in. Brown gravy accompaniment a must. Mushrooms in that wouldn't hurt. I guess if you're hooked on a tomato sauce you can do it.

Now the Mac and Cheese ( originally El's Mac and cheese) is a delightful twist  on your image. Noodles of course. Elbows, Rotini or whatever. After cooking the noodles, it's sour cream, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, butter, S and P, Paprika. Ooh, Ooh, good. Combine it all and top with cheddar and paprika. Bake about 30 minutes until nicely browned. It's good and goes well with the meatloaf. BTW. For the fun of it, I baked it in a cast iron skillet. Stay old fashioned for this one. Interesting presentation.

Sides or salads are up to you. I like to splurge on the basics.

ROASTED VEGGIES. I wanted to use up some fresh veggies that I had on hand. Broccolini, Mushrooms, Scallions, Garlic cloves, and Green Beans. After tossing in  olive oil and roasting, I let the veggies cool, then added some pieces of tomato. I put it all in a bowl, tossed with a vinegarette and let marinate, covered in the refrig, for several hours.  Awesome and healthy way to use up some of your fresh produce. Sally loved this. She said the next day it was even bettter. The best vegetable salad she has had. I think the roasted garlic contributed.