Babka's Meatloaf with Sweet and Sour Sauce

When I met my husband he told me in no uncertain terms that he hated meatloaf and he hated Mexican food. Wrong. I just knew he would change his mind. You see his Mom never made Mexican food or meatloaf so it no reflection on her. The food she made was absolutely wonderful and always full of her love. No his turnoff to foods like meatloaf an Mexican were caused by an occassional meal here and there. Just because you try food made by a Mexican and don't like it, doesnt mean you don't like Mexican food. Same goes for meatloaf as their are oodles and noodles of different ways to prepare meatloaf. If you have your own tried and true way, I urge you to try different ways once in a while to find surprisingly new flavors that you might love. Such was the case for me and meatloaf.

Not too long ago my Mom made meatloaf. I was impressed by the flavors so I asked her how she did it. That was when she told me that it was my Babka's recipe. Of course I swooned because there are not too many things that I can feel close to her about. She died when I was seven. I remember her but only vaguely. Making someone's recipe makes you feel more tied to them and closer to them if only they are in spirit.

Babka's Meatloaf

1 1/2 pounds of ground beef
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 finely chopped onion
1 cup bread crumbs
2 teaspoon worcestshire sauce
1 (16 oz) can or two cups tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoon mustard

Combine beef, crumbs, onion, egg, s and p, and 1/2 cup sauce. In another bowl combine remainder of ingredients. Pour half over meatloaf. Bake at 350F for one hour and fifteen minutes. Baste occassionally with the remainder of the sauce.