"Eating Alone" may sound like the title to a sad country song, but, in this case, there is nothing sad about it. We're here to promote and refine the art of finding and preparing good food for the many of us who live (and therefore often dine) alone.

The tips, ideas and recipes presented here are our effort to bring the best elements of family dining to the individual. Some of the goals we have for our recommendations include:

  • Taste
  • Nutrition
  • Thrift
  • Convenience
  • Simplicity
November's Meal Idea

Meatloaf Muffins

Using a muffin pan to cook individual meatloaves is a clever and time-saving variation on a traditional "family" Recipe. Using this method, a little time invested over the weekend can produce a delecious entre for several meals during the following weeks. I use a two pound meatloaf recipe divided into 6 equal "loaves." I eat one on cook day and freeze the rest for later. Here is my favorite recipe.
  • Two lbs ground beef, 80/20 or better
  • One box Onion Soup mix (use both packets)
  • One regular can Evaporated Milk (12 fl oz)
* Thouroughly mix the ingredients in a large bowl by squeezing the mixture between your fingers. Continue until the mixture is homoginous and all the liquid has been absorbed - then spoon into a well-greased muffin pan. (This recipe fits perfectly into a 3½ X 1½ X six muffin pan)

Now you have a choice. A) you can cook right in the muffin pan or B) use the muffin pan as a mold only and invert the loaves onto a deep baking sheet for more "bark." If you like the center cut of a normal meatloaf choose method A. Plan B will yield single loaves that more resemble the end of a normal loaf.

Brush about a tablespoon of the Piquant sauce on each loaf and bake for 30-40 minutes at 375 degrees (loaves are done at an internal temp of 165 degrees)

Piquant Sauce

There will be enough dripping using method B to make brown gravy but the real finish to meatloaf requires brown sugar, IMO.

  • ¼ cup Ketcup
  • one teaspoon dry mustard
  • three tablespoons brown sugar
Mix ingredients together thoroughly. Baste with part of mixture before cooking and serve the remainder as a sauce on the side.

There you go. The main entre for six tasty meals for about an hours work in the kitchen. Serve with a veggie side and a salad for healthy eating or with mashed potatoes and gravy for the big appetite. Freeze the extra loaves in plastic freezer bags with the air pressed out and they will keep several weeks.

The frozen loaves are easily reheated in a microwave without thawing. Place them in a shallow tray with a teaspoon of water and loosely cover. (about two minutes on full power depending on your appliance)

Each loaf contains about 400 calories, not including sauce. Ingredient costs are approx $10.00 total - Less than $2 per serving