by Amanda Donnelly

Times are tough, and people are cutting back. This doesn't mean we have to stop enjoying ourselves. "Fun", more than ever, is important. But today, our ways of having fun are a little different than a year ago. One of my current, favorite weekend activities is cooking dinner at home with some friends. In fact, it's more fun to me than going out. I enjoy spending time in the kitchen with friends, cooking and enjoying delicious wine while doing so!

As a new feature, I would like to introduce  food and wine pairings that can be created at affordable prices. Look for these ideas which I will post on our website about every two weeks. The recipes will be provided by Lynn Epstein and Iris Feinberg, co-founders of Mama Says, who recently introduced No More Frozen Pizza! - a recipe collection for recent college graduates,newlyweds, and those finding their way into the kitchen. Their collection includes delicious and economic recipes for main and side dishes, as well as salads. Their collection of recipes comes packaged in a retro pizza box.

Their recipes are wonderful. When I mentioned to Lynn and Iris that I was looking for a great recipe to pair with one of our new, favorite Zinfandels, they answered back with a winner! Mom's Special Meatloaf is an easy-to-prepare, inexpensive, comfort dish. (see recipe below) I like to prepare and cook a meatloaf on a Sunday, then divide it into portions and freeze it. When I want a quick, easy meal for the kids or my husband and I, I simply take out that portion size in the morning. By nightime, it's ready to go! Serve it with a green salad, baked potato and steamed broccoli.

This is the perfect match for Sunce Zinfandel. On sale for $14.99, Sunce is a delicious Zin loaded with fruit and spice.

Sunce Winery Zinfandel Old Clone 2007 Sunce is a family winery located in the Russian River Valley appellation of Sonoma Country. Specializing in small artisan lots of varietal wine and classic blends. This Zinfandel comes from Bastoni Ranch and offers a ... more BN#262792 $19.99 On Sale $14.99 SKU02930

Ingredients

Cooking spray
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium sweet onion (Vidalia, Maui, etc.), diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
½ cup plain breadcrumbs or wheat germ
1 teaspoon dried tarragon or herbs de Provence
Salt and black pepper (or pinch of white pepper)
3 heaping tablespoons mustard
3 heaping tablespoons horseradish
½ cup tomato paste or ketchup
4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chives or green onion, minced (optional)
1 pound lean ground meat (beef, chicken, turkey, veal or a mix)

Preparation

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees – with rack in the middle.  Prep shallow baking pan with either cooking spray or line with parchment paper.

Heat skillet over medium high heat; add oil and onion, sauté until tender about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, allowing the flavors to meld about 2 minutes.  Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.

In a large bowl, beat egg. Stir in breadcrumbs, seasonings, mustard and 2 generous tablespoons of horseradish and ketchup along with optional herbs and the onion mixture. Crumble ground meat over mixture and mix well with your hands.

Shape into an oval loaf in the prepared baking pan. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ketchup and horseradish; spread mixture over loaf.  Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 – 50 minutes, or until meat thermometer inserted in center registers 155 degrees.  Remove from oven, let stand 10 minutes before serving.