As far as I know, there is not an official beginning to the meatloaf season. But as soon as the weather gets cold, the wind gets raw and the sun goes down early, I get a hankering for this comforting food.

Meatloaf can be made with veal or pork, but mainstream meatloaf, the kind I tasted recently, is made with good old ground beef, some chopped onions, egg and the products of the cook's imagination. It is a dish designed to fill you up, heat you up and send you back into the cold world with a warm glow.

Safeway Homestyle Meat Loaf

Address --2401 N. Charles St.

Phone --410-261-6110

Hours --8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily

The deli section of this supermarket serves a $6.99 fully cooked, 18-ounce meatloaf that is heated and ready to eat. Topped with a tomato glaze, this mild-tasting meatloaf is enough food for a family of four, or one very hungry fella.

Know of a good carryout? Let us hear about it. Write to rob.kasper@baltsun.com.