In writing her thanks for the recent Almost Sally Bell's Potato Salad recipe, Mildred Allen let it slip that she has a "best" meatloaf.

Of the potato salad, she said: "I can't wait to take it to a potluck luncheon at church. Women are always looking for the 'best' recipe for meatloaf, chicken salad, spaghetti. You made a hit this time."

Of her "best" meatloaf, she said: "My son took it to an after-church buffet, and he said it was the one the ladies exclaimed over."

In a phone conversation, Allen, who lives in Chesterfield County, said she cooks and keeps house for her son and his two children, because she lives with them in their home.

She doesn't mind if we tell you she's 87 years young.

Her meatloaf feeds a crowd, so she usually halves the recipe for her family. "The brown sugar and vinegar make it different from others," she said.

It took some convincing to get her to pose for a photo, but finally, she said she'd do it.

"Maybe that will convince other cooks who aren't famous to send you their recipes."

Send your recipe requests, answers and your best recipes to Jann Malone at jmalone@timesdispatch.com or P.O. Box 85333 Richmond VA 23293. Please put "Recipe Exchange" in the subject field or on the envelope and include a daytime phone number.

Makes 12-14 servings