Meat Loaf with Brown Sugar-Ketchup Glaze

Source: This is from Cook's Illustrated and is our very favorite. The glaze makes the meat loaf.

Serves 6 to 8

If you like, you can omit the bacon topping from the loaf. In this case, brush on half of the glaze before baking and the other half during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Brown Sugar-Ketchup Glaze
1/2 cup ketchup or chili sauce
4 tablespoons brown sugar
4 teaspoons cider or white vinegar

Meat Loaf
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce
1/2 cup whole milk or plain yogurt
2 pounds meat loaf mix (50 percent ground chuck,
    25 percent ground pork, 25 percent ground veal)
2/3 cup crushed saltine crackers (about 16) or quick
    oatmeal or 11/3 cups fresh bread crumbs
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley leaves
6