Mmmm, comfort food!

My personal definition of comfort food - mashed potatoes. It really doesn't get much better than nice fluffy, starchy, mashed potatoes, unless of course you add a little cheese and a lot of garlic :)

My sister, Emilie, is in town and tonight I had her over for dinner. She has been living in a dorm since August and I know that all she wants when she comes home is REAL food. Nothing too fancy, just comfort food. One of her favorites is meatloaf one of my favorites is mashed potatoes and that is where I came up with the menu!

Meatloaf Muffins

1-1 1/2 pounds ground beef (I like using ground sirloin 90/10)
1/2 of an onion finely chopped
2 eggs lightly beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 can tomato sauce (divided)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
fresh ground pepper
2 tsp parsley flakes
1 tsp Worcester sauce

Meatloaf:
Combine ground beef with 1/2 can tomato sauce, eggs, bread crumbs, onion, salt, pepper and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Using an ice cream scoop portion into a lightly sprayed muffin tin. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven and cover with sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Sauce:
Combine remaining tomato sauce with parsley flakes, Worcester sauce and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.

Makes 12 meatloaf muffins

Garlic Cheddar Mashed Potatoes

4-5 Idaho potatoes peeled and cubed
3 cloves fresh garlic crushed
2 1/2 tbsp butter
1/3 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Bring water to a boil. Add the 3 cloves crushed garlic and the cubed potatoes. Boil until fork tender (about 15-20 minutes depending on size of cubes and how starchy the potatoes are). Drain the potatoes and put back in the hot pot. Add the butter, sour cream, milk and salt. Using a hand mixer blend until smooth (about 2 minutes). Add the cheddar cheese, garlic powder and pepper. Use a spoon to incorporate and let sit for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted. Use the taste test (aka my favorite part) to determine how much more salt and pepper to add