peppered meatloaf and mashed potatoes with chives

i know that i deviated slightly from my decree of posting something once a week (by 2 days, eh!), but it's because i've been trying my hand at something i've never been good at... indian recipes. i won't go into it right now, but it's a work in progress that i'm... working on. they are coming, but it's taking me a bit longer to get it just right.

i decided to take a break from failing miserably at dishes from the motherland and tried my hand at an old favorite. i've always liked meatloaf, but it's always been just too much of a good thing, so i added some extra goodness. and i didn't stop there -- instead of using potatoe flakes and making synthetic mashed potatoes, i created real mashed potatoes for the first time. everything turned out supremely... mmm!

Meatloaf Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 green pepper
1 red pepper
1/2 yellow onion
1/2 cup, italian bread crumbs
1/2 cup, shredded cheddar cheese
1 egg
1 cup of salsa
3 garlic cloves, minced
minced ginger
cilantro
dry oregano
dry basil
worcestershire sauce
soy sauce
lemon juice
garam masala
salt
5x9" meatloaf pan

Mashed Potatoes Ingredients:
2 lbs, yukon gold potatoes
1/4 cup margarine
1/2 cup milk
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup of chives, chopped
4 oz. low-fat cream cream
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
salt

Meatloaf Preparation:
- preheat oven to 350°
- combine beef, peppers, onion, cilantro, oregano, basil, worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, lemon juice, bread crumbs, salsa, cheese, egg, garam masala, garlic and salt into a bowl and mix everything together
- place meat mixture into 5x9 pan
- cook in oven for 45 minutes or until ready

Mashed Potato Preparation:
- boil salted water and put potatoes in
- when potatoes are soft (not mushy), remove and peel
- place potatoes in bowl and mash with a fork (or a mixer for you high-tech people)
- add in chives, margarine, cream cheese, milk, garlic, salt, parmesan cheese and mix together (if it's still clumpy, try adding more milk)

serve with meatloaf and enjoy!