Favorite Meatloaf

All meat loaves are NOT created equal, in fact they can greatly differ from one another.  I have a few different recipes that I will use.  This one stands out with its touch of sage.  I would say this is the one I make the most, second in line would by my Individual Meat Loaves.  Be sure to make the topping that this recipe recommends, for the full experience!

Favorite Meatloaf

Meat loaf:
1-1/2 lbs. ground round (lean ground beef)
1/4 c. onion, chopped
1 c. crushed soda crackers crumbs
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/2 tsp. rubbed sage
2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1-1/3 c. milk

Topping:
3 T. brown sugar
1/4 c. ketchup
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. dry mustard

Combine meat loaf ingredients; mix well.  Press into greased large loaf pan.  Mix topping ingredients; spread over loaf.  Bake at 350° for 1 hour.

Jean's Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Why don't I make muffins more often?  Whenever I make them, I ask myself that...  Such a delicious snack to have on hand, they freeze wonderfully!  My sister-in-law submitted this recipe to our family cookbook, they are sooo good, super moist!  I think you probably can't go wrong with chocolate, ever!  Chocolate and bananas?  Yummm!

Jean's Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
5 lg. ripe bananas, mashed
1 egg
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 c. butter or margarine, softened
1 c. mini chocolate chips
1-1/2 c. flour

Preheat oven to 375°.  Mix all ingredients, except flour and chocolate chips.  Gradually add flour, stiring lightly.  Fold in the chocolate chips.  Pour 1/3 full into muffin tins and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.  Make about 2 dozen muffins.

Chicken Stir-Fry

This is a recipe that my mom used to make, I'm pretty sure she came up with it herself.  I like to think of it as a "Stir-Fry Base".  Use it as a starting point for any type of stir-fry you might want, be it chicken, pork, beef, etc.  Dress it up, or down, whatever you like.  Lots and lots of flavor.  Throw in some crushed red pepper to spice it up, can't lose with this one.  I definitely double this recipe for my family.  It just depends on how "saucy" you want it.

Chicken Stir-Fry

Sauce:
1 c. chicken broth
2 T. cornstarch
1/4 c. water
3 T. soy sauce

Optional additions (pictured):
2 to 3 chicken breasts, cut up
1 onion, sliced
12.6 oz. bag frozen broccoli
(really, add whatever you would like)

Stir-fry chicken in a bit of oil, until no longer pink.  Add additional veggies, etc. until crisp tender.  Mix together sauce ingredients in medium size bowl, pour over stir-fry, cook and stir over low-medium heat until thickened.

Ham and Cheese Eggbake

I love eggbakes, but my preference is adding lots of "stuff", like peppers, mushrooms, etc.  My kids, on the other hand, like it more traditional.  This recipe is a hit, its basically ham, eggs and cheese.  Perfect, in their opinion.  You  need to be on the ball and prepare the night before, but the day of... Oh so easy!  I usually double this recipe for a 9 x 13-inch pan.

Ham and Cheese Eggbake
3 c. frozen hashbrowns
3/4 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 c. diced ham, fully cooked
1/4 c. chopped green onions
4 eggs
12 oz. milk
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. salt

Put potatoes in greased 8 inch square baking dish.  Sprinkle with cheese, ham and onion.  Beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper; pour over all.  Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight.  Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.  Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 55-60 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean.  Serves 6.