Growing up, Sunday meant carry-out from Hollyhock Hill. Fried chicken with all the fixin's and a late afternoon meal with family. I'm not sure when we stopped doing that with regularity, but I imagine it had something to do with everyone's schedules taking them in different directions. About a year ago, my family decided to resurrect Sunday dinners and it has been a wonderful thing. I thought I'd share this sort of intimate gathering with you, because I can't think of entertaining that I enjoy more.

Sundays now rotate between the homes of various family members. We take turns hosting. Dinner is at 6:30 and if you can come, you bring something. If you can't make it, not a big deal but I'm finding that everyone largely enjoys it and has prioritized gathering.

Sometimes we have a theme (This weekend is Greek. Opa!) but often it's just tasty, down-home fare. Since there are about 10 regular attendees, I've been working on a delicious version of meatloaf in a double-batch quantity. I'm going to share the recipe with you. If you are entertaining, great! Make it as is. If not, you can freeze one of them to use later or simply cut the recipe in half.

I've served it with both baked and mashed potatoes and a green salad. Leftovers make an excellent meatloaf sandwich. This version uses lean beef, lots of seasoning and doesn't dry out. Let me know what you think and if it inspires you to gather with family and friends.

Sometimes the very best parties are the simplest. Enjoy.