BEST-EVER MEAT LOAF

2 eggs
2/3 cup milk 
3 slices bread, torn into pieces
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup grated carrot
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried basil, thyme or sage, optional
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef

Topping:

1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon prepared mustard

In a large bowl, beat eggs.  Add milk and bread; let stand a few minutes or 
until the bread absorbs the liquid.  Stir in the onion, carrot, cheese, herbs 
and seasonings.  Add beef; mix well.  In a shallow baking pan, shape beef 
mixture into a 7 1/2-inch x 3 1/2-inch x 2 1/2-inch loaf.  Bake at 350 for 45 
minutes.

Meanwhile, combine topping ingredients.  Spoon some of the topping over meat 
loaf.  Bake for about 30 minutes longer or until no pink remains, occasionally 
spooning some of the remaining topping over loaf.  Let stand 10 minutes before 
serving.  Yield:  6 servings.