Classic

 

 

Some words just seem to have a soothing nature about them and I think the word classic is one of them. Classic is a timeless and non inflammatory way to speak of things that hearken to the past. Just try to label something as old or traditional and watch yourself spiral downward into the abyss of being put out to pasture. Classic seems a safer way to go.

Some of us remember the case of Coca Cola. After making an attempt to freshen its image with the introduction of a new and improved Coke, a backwash of outrage forced the company to turn its ship around midstream and reintroduce the old favorite. Wisely, the company did not call their product “Old Coke”; rather, they used the moniker “Coke Classic.” Once again all was well in the land of Sodaville.

Clothing also seems to rely on the adjective classic. Suits, tailored shirts, basic blue jeans and turtleneck sweaters have a timeless nature about them. Certainly, garish colors, pumpkin decals and wide lapels can catapult an outfit out of the classic status, but, for the most part, some clothing pieces will always be deemed classic and therefore, stylish. I prefer to call most of my clothing classic and not face the truth that the stuff is just plain old.

Over the past few years I have been on a quest for traditional recipes from my youth. Meatloaf is one example. After experimenting with numerous variations involving spices, meat combinations, sauces and bacon slices, I found myself longing for just plain classic meatloaf with catsup on the side. Exotic, no. Comforting, yes. Add a spoonful or two of mashed potatoes and peace reigneth at my dinner table.

Novels with the classic label are also found on many must read lists. Each year I try to read a classic novel or two just to see what all the hype is about. Sometimes I am pleasantly surprised and other times, not so much. East of Eden by John Steinbeck delighted me with its biblical analogies and lush prose. Eight hundred pages into Anna Karenina, however, and I was ready to meet the same demise as the angst ridden Anna. I gutted it out and made it to the final page and decided something was lost in the Russian to English translation. I guess I’m more of a Tom Sawyer kind of reader. I’ll leave the epic international dramas for other library patrons.

No doubt, I have entered the age zone of somewhere beyond young and middle aged. I, of course, would like to claim the title of classic, rather than just plain old. My wrinkles and arthritic shoulder are telling me otherwise. Maybe, like the classics, getting old is an acquired taste and should be celebrated in small doses. And, if it’s like meatloaf, a little catsup goes a long way.

 

 

 

 

Here is my Classic Meatloaf recipe. Great for cold fall evenings when it’s time to put on a little fat for the winter.

1 ½ pound ground beef

¾ c. old fashioned Quaker Oats
¾ c. chopped onion
½ c. catsup
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper

Combine ingredients and put into loaf pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes at 350 degrees.