Amazing Meatloaf

I'm not a huge fan of meatloaf unless it's THIS meatloaf.  To die for.  Really.

• 1 1/2 pounds hamburger
• 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 package dry onion soup mix
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 T. soy sauce

• Preheat the oven to 400
• Mix the hamburger, crackers, cheese, and onion soup mix until well blended.  In a small bowl, whisk eggs, ketchup, and soy sauce until smooth.  Pour over meat mixture and stir until combined.  If it is dry, add a tiny bit of milk.  Press into a 9x13. (I recommend putting a wire rack in first so the grease drips into the pan and doesn't puddle around the meatloaf.)
• Bake until no longer pink in the middle, about 20-30 minutes.

Brittney's Artichoke Dip

I'm claiming this one as mine, even though I found it online!  It was soooooo good!

2 (6.5 oz) jars marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped into tiny pieces.
2 c. mayo
3 c. grated Parmesan cheese
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (4 oz) can chopped green chile peppers
Paprika

• Preheat oven to 350
• In a medium bowl, mix the artichoke hearts, mayo, 2 c. Parmesan, cream cheese, and green chiles.  Scoop the mixture into a pie pan or medium baking pan.  Top with remaining Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle with paprika.
• Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly and slightly browned.  Serve warm.

Note:  I used wheat thins and french bread.

Luscious Slush Punch

This is the recipe from Christmas Eve...

2-1/2 cups white sugar
6 cups water
2 (3 oz) packages strawberry flavored jello
1 (46 oz) can pineapple juice
2/3 c. lemon juice
1 quart (4 cups) orange juice
2 bottles Sprite or 7-Up

• Bring the sugar, water, and jello to a boil in a large saucepan; boil for 3 minutes.  Stir in the pineapple juice, lemon juice, and orange juice.  Divide mixture into 2 separate containers and freeze.
• Combine the contents of 1 container with 1 bottle of Sprite in a punch bowl; stir until slushy. Repeat with remaining portions as needed.

Note:  I cut the frozen juice into cubes so it would turn to slush faster.