Festive Meat Loaf

Makes 6 servings

• 2 eggs large
• 2 pounds ground beef (or part sausage)
• 1 14 1/2-ounce can tomatoes whole, cut up and juice reserved
• 3/4 cup crackers fine crumbs (about 20 crackers)
• 1/2 cup onions finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup brown sugar packed
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2 1/2 tablespoons mustard prepared
• 3 pineapple slices canned
• 3 red maraschino cherries

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs with a fork. Add beef, tomatoes with juice, cracker crumbs, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended. Shape into a 9 x 5-inch oval. Place in an ungreased  12 x 8 x 2-inch baking pan.

3. Bake 1 hour.

4. Meanwhile, combine brown sugar, vinegar, pineapple juice, and mustard in a small saucepan. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Remove meat loaf from oven; drain off fat. Arrange pineapple and cherries on top of loaf. Brush glaze on meat loaf and fruit; keep remaining glaze warm. Bake 30 minutes longer. Slice and serve with remaining glaze.