OPTIONAL?:

Basic Formula for Meatloaf (Regina Dennie, 5/06/09, Contra Costa Times)

1 pound ground meat

1 egg

2 stale slices white bread (can substitute stale saltines or other breadstuffs)

1 small onion, chopped

½ cup ketchup, barbecue sauce, milk or other liquid

2 ribs celery, chopped (can substitute anything else that you like — cooked veggies, a bit of spaghetti sauce, tomato paste)

1 teaspoon salt, to taste

Basil, rosemary, oregano, tarragon, thyme, pepper until it "smells right"

Bacon strips optional

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix meat with egg, then add all other ingredients and mix well.

2. Press mixture into a 9-by-9-inch baking dish. Pour additional barbecue sauce or ketchup on top and top with bacon strips if you like. Bake 1 hour and don't forget to scrub some nice potatoes and bake them alongside.

3. When meat is thoroughly cooked, remove dish from the oven. Pour off fat and enjoy.