A Little Comfort Goes A Long Way

As a child, I didn't like meatloaf. I can't even begin to tell you my reasoning behind this. In fact, I did quite well to avoid it after telling my mother it was, 'disgusting' - all the way into my early 20's in fact. Finally I decided I would give it another chance.

First it was a traditional ground beef meatloaf. While it was tasty, not having a food processor, or perhaps just the skills to more finely chop the vegetables, definitely affected the texture. Wanting to find a different recipe, one that was a little bit more healthy but wasn't lacking in taste. This is when I came across this recipe from Jenni-O. While you don't get quite that same flavor as ground beef, giving it a little bit of extra spices really brings out a flavor with the turkey that makes this really good.

Winger's Roadhouse is pushing forward with its whole reason for asking for my review, pushing their Comfort Food to new levels. Melba's Meatloaf is the perfect, "take me back to Grandma's" recipe - and it's actually from one of our own's Grandmothers (or did they say their Grandma's Grandma, I can't quite remember?). This meatloaf is juicy, moist and flavorful. The sauce on top is not your average cup of ketchup. I was fortunate enough to be there the day they were 'messing' with the original glaze, and after we had to try numerous trials (atop a bite of meatloaf of course), the chef definitely hit it on the head. For an alternate, already made glaze, I tried my meatloaf with a little bit of Winger's Original Amazing Sauce, and I was pleasantly surprised in how good it tasted. I hear people buy this sauce by the case, so I guess I shouldn't have been so surprised.

To me, a good meatloaf stands on its own and does not really need a side. But if you just need a little side, garlic mashed potatoes are always good (that's what Winger's Roadhouse lets all of the juice soak into - yummy!). Garlic roasted brussels sprouts are also a tasty, healthy side option, as are any sauteed or steamed veggie.

Either way you do it, finding some time to make this comfort food staple is a great mood booster or family gathering meal. Heck, perhaps it will even become the weekly favorite that guarantees everyone in the family, and maybe even some friends that have gotten wind of this amazing dish, will join for the meatloaf feast!