Joanna's Meat Loaf (Magnolia Table)

 Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons salted butter
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, to taste
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 sleeve (4 oz) saltines, crushed
• 1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs; beaten
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 Tablespoons ketchup

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the onion and sauce until translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. 

In a large bowl, combine the beef, cooled onion, saltine crumbs, Cheddar, eggs, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients together until well blended. Try to keep a light touch and not overwork the mixture. 

On a 9 x 13 inch or other large baking pan, form the mixture into a roughly 6 x 9 inch loaf. 

Drizzle the ketchup down the center of the loaf and brush it over the top to cover. 

Bake until firm, about 1 hour. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm. 

Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

Enjoy! 

Makes 4 to 6 servings. 

Hash Brown Casserole

 Ingredients 

• 1 bag frozen hash browns
• 2 cans cream of potato soup
• 8 oz sour cream
• 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (save 1 for the top)

Mix all ingredients and pour into a 9 x 13 pan sprayed with Pam. 

Sprinkle with the remaining cup of cheese and bake covered at 325 degrees for 1 hour. 

Enjoy! 

Easy Southern Style Mac and Cheese

 Ingredients 

• 1 pound short cut pasta 
• 2 1/4 cups whole milk
• 2 large eggs, beaten, 
• 1/4 cup sour cream or plain greek yogurt
• 2-3 teaspoons cajun seasoning (optional)
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
• fresh basil or parsley, for serving

Preheat the oven to 400° F. 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl whisk together the milk, eggs, sour cream, cajun seasoning, or 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Add the pasta, butter, cheddar cheese, and 2 cups Colby Jack cheese. Pour the pasta into a 9x13 inch baking dish and cover with foil.

Bake 25 minutes, then remove the foil and top with the remaining Colby Jack cheese. Return to the oven and bake another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Switch the oven to broil and broil 2-3 minutes, until just a little crispy on top. WATCH CLOSELY. 

Serve the mac and cheese immediately with fresh herbs and black pepper. Enjoy!

Hershey Bar Chocolate Cake

 Ingredients

• 1 (18 1/4 ounce) boxes Duncan Hines dark chocolate cake mix
• 1 (3 1/2 ounce) box vanilla instant pudding mix
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup vegetable oil

Frosting Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package softened cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup confectionary sugar
• 12 ounces Cool Whip (1.5 tubs)
• 3 Hershey bars, chopped (regular or special dark)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 

Flour 3 9-inch cake pans

Mix first five ingredients and divide between 3 pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes. 

Remove pans and cool completely. 

Mix cream cheese, sugars, and Cool Whip until creamy. Add Hershey bars and mix additional minute. Spread between layers, then sides, then top. 

Store in refrigerator. 

Enjoy!

Mom's Baked Spaghetti

 Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 lb sausage
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 (8 oz) spaghetti
• 1 (8 oz) package mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 (8 oz) package cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup milk
• 1 (45 oz) spaghetti sauce
• 1 small can tomato paste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 

Brown the ground beef and sausage in a skillet. Add salt and garlic. Drain off grease. 

Add sauce, tomato paste, basil, and oregano to the meat. (Keep on low heat while the noodles are cooking). 

Cook spaghetti according to package directions and drain. 

Combine cheeses, milk, spaghetti and spaghetti meat sauce. 

Pour into a baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or until bubbly. 

Enjoy!

Pineapple Cream Cheese Dip

 Ingredients

• 8 oz. full fat cream cheese, softened
• Can of crushed pineapple, drained
• Slivered almonds (about 1/2 cup)
• Green onion (about 1/4 cup)

Drain the pineapple, and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. 

In a large bowl, add al the ingredients together and mix well until the dip is combined. 

Chill until ready to serve. 

Enjoy! 

*Serve with pita chips, wheat thins, or fruit and veggies

Fresh Peach Salad

 Ingredients

• Fresh peaches
• Honey
• Basil leaves
• Salt
• Mozzarella or Goat Cheese

Pit peaches and cut into bite-size pieces. 

Place the peaches in a bowl, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with salt. Toss to coat. 

Gently fold in basil and cheese. 

Enjoy! 

*If making ahead, it's best to add basil right before serving.