Despite my culinary school experience, despite my love for fine cuisine and the joy I find in baking, there just isn't time anymore.  I rely heavily on my crockpot and "zero-hour" recipes- recipes I can produce and serve in about 30 minutes.  From time to time I'll post our very favorite zero-hour recipes.

Pizza-Topped Meatloaf

Takes about 40 minutes, start to finish.  We double ours to feed two adults, one teenager, and five under age twelve.

2 lbs ground beef

1/2 c each milk and Saltine crumbs

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1/2 c finely chopped onions

1/2 t each salt, garlic powder, oregano, basil

1 10 1/2-oz can pizza sauce

1 c shredded mozzerella or jack cheese

1/2 c grated Parmesan

Combine ground beef, milk, cracker crumbs, eggs, onion, and spices.  Mix well until blended, then lightly pat into an 11x7 pan.

Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.  Remove from oven, drain off fat, and spread pizza sauce on top.  Sprinkle with cheeses.  Put back in oven for about 10 more minutes, until cheese is bubbly.  Cut into squares and serve.