BEST EVER MEAT LOAF

2 eggs

2/3 cup milk

3 slices of bread torn into pieces

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup grated carrot

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tsp. dried parsley

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. dried basil, thyme or sage

1/4 tsp. pepper

1-1/2 lb. lean ground beef

TOPPING

1/2 cup tomato sauce

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 tsp 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 loaf. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Combine the topping ingredients; spoon some over meat loaf. Bake for about 30 minutes longer or until meat is no longer pink, occasionally spooning some of the remaining topping over the loaf. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.