Brownies

Heat oven to 350F.
Grease an 8-inch square pan.

Ingredients:
2 squares unsweetened chocolate (2 ounces)
1/3 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Put the chocolate squares and shortening in a mixing bowl and place the bowl in a pan of hot water and heat to melt the chocolate. When the chocolate is melted, remove from heat and beat in the sugar and eggs. Stir in the flour, baking powder and salt. (I usually premix these items in a separate bowl.) Stir in the nuts if adding and spread the brownie mixture in the prepared pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, only until a toothpick stuck in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan and cut into squares.

Makes 16 2-inch squares

Note: I sometimes substitute cocoa and vegetable oil for the chocolate squares and shortening, simply because I usually have cocoa in the cupboard but not always chocolate squares. If you would like to try that too, the substitution amounts are below. Happy Eating!

For 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate use 3Tbs natural cocoa (not the Dutch processed cocoa) plus 1 Tbs unsalted butter, vegetable oil or shortening.

Meat Loaf

Heat Oven to 350F

Ingredients:
3 slices soft bread broken into pieces
1/2 cup of milk
1 egg
1 1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup minced onion
1 Tbs Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 lbs ground beef

combine the first 6 ingredients in a bowl. Stir together thoroughly. Mix in the ground beef. Form into a loaf and place in a 9 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour.
Makes 6 to 8 servings (unless your kids are like mine, then you are lucky to get any!)
;-)

Toppings:
1. Spread 2 Tbs catsup or chili sauce over the top of the loaf before baking.
2. When loaf is baked, try "frosting" the top with mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with paprika and broil until golden.