This week, after two meatloaf dinners last week, I decided I had to do something very different. I vacillated between two options but chose one that has been used since 1979 by Renee and her father. I have never seen anything like this one. She even gave me a copy of the page from the book so I would see how old and authentic it was. And it’s so cutely written for children. Telling me I needed ‘adult help’ for each tough part- using the oven, mixing the potatoes, plating, etc. The recipe was very simple with only 5 ingredients for the meatloaf. Then the instant potatoes cover the outside for additional baking time. American cheese is placed on top as the finisher. Almost immediately, Terry said he loved it. I knew the potatoes were a big part of that assessment. Just as in Week #5. The photos really tell this story.
What a name, Frosted Meatloaf. Made for kids with that American Cheese. This one scored 9.1. And I thought it was only so-so. I just don’t understand the fascination with meatloaf, yet. Thanks to RK though for sharing such an old family tradition. It was fun to make.
Now, I confess, I had a major meltdown this week over losing the recipes and two other important items. It all had to do with a crazy week of packing up the last of my office, depositing so much stuff at home quickly among other Christmas tasks piling up quickly. I had a mile long to do list but I searched everywhere. Admittedly, I was very upset. I told Terry I did not care if I found the other two items which would not be easy to replace but the 42 recipes missing broke my heart. A bit dramatic, right? It was so much more than the lost recipes which are hard to even show in one photo. It was the time all our friends took, Terry getting such joy out of this food each Monday and then the decision to chronicle this project and share the recipes of such sweet friends.
We retraced our steps. I was foolish and had carried the entire pack into Meijer to get groceries. I was just sure I dropped them somewhere. I laid down on the couch crying and thinking about some person picking them up and tossing them. They did not look important, folded into one 8×11 sheet of paper. Terry called to see if they were turned in at Meijer. Isn’t he sweet to help me solve this problem? He hates tears. More than anything, I think.
After I finished having a pity party, Terry mentioned it would be easy to ask all our friends to repeat the recipe gesture. (I very much did not want to do that, and it would not have had the same meaning as it did on Sept 26.) I prayed. I asked the Lord to help me remember where I placed the recipes and other two items. It seemed a tad ridiculous to ask God to care about such a trivial problem. Say it out loud. “Hey God, could you take a minute out from running the entire universe and help me find 42 meatloaf recipes?” Seriously? I have prayed many things over the years but never about meatloaf or any other food I can remember. However, I know God does care about the smallest details of our lives and He comforts us like no one else can. Immediately, I had this sense of peace and felt compelled to check the drawer where I put our financial paperwork and bills. I was sure as I walked to the office, I was going to find item #1 which was a check, but instead, there laid all the recipes. Tucked away, like I did it on purpose. Yes! I screamed so loud and thanked Jesus over and over. I truly thought it made sense that the missing check would be in that drawer but nope. The recipes. Whew. Game back on. God answers prayers. Even about meatloaf. “Now to Him, who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask for imagine (Eph 3:20). By the way, Terry and I had found all three items by night’s end. PTL!
Leave a Reply