Some meals taste even better the day
after they are made. Many soups, stews and chilis benefit from that overnight soak; they thicken up, and the flavors have time to develop. The same holds true for many bean and lentil dishes. I've even heard arguments for day-after pizza. But my absolute favorite dish to eat the day after it is made
(aside from Thanksgiving leftovers) is meatloaf. Heck, I've been known to make a meatloaf for the sole purpose of having Meatloaf Sandwiches the next day.
The thing about meatloaf is, people seem to love it or loathe it. I, for one, fall into the love category. It's another one of those dishes that I grew up on, and a bite of good, homemade meatloaf never fails to put me at ease...bring me comfort. Which is going to make it seem odd when I tell you that I have never once made the same meatloaf twice in my life. I've never had a recipe for meatloaf. It's one of those things that you can do that with, though. I do prefer to use a half beef, half pork mixture. The binder always seems to vary - sometimes I use crushed crackers, sometimes fresh bread crumbs soaked in milk, sometimes dry bread crumbs; I've even used rice and oatmeal. Sometimes I shred veggies into it. I often vary the glaze. I've even studded it with cheese, or wrapped hard-boiled eggs into the middle. I like it all!
