Slow Cooked Beer Dogs

2 pkg. sausage dogs
2 cans sauerkraut
1/2 bottle beer (any beer brand will do)
buns
mustard (or any topping you want)

1) Put the sauerkraut & beer in a slow cooker, add sausage dogs & cook on low 3-4hrs.

2) Serve on buns with sauerkraut & mustard.

serves: 8

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

8 oz uncooked spaghetti
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup (4oz) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
2 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp. italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 jar (26oz) meatless spaghetti sauce
1 can (14.5oz) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
1 jar (4.5oz) sliced mushrooms, drained (optional)
4 breaded fully cooked chicken patties (10 to 14oz)



1) Cook spaghetti according to pkg directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the ricotta, 1/2 cup of mozzarella, parmesan, italian seasoning and garlic powder; set aside. In another bowl, combine the spaghetti sauce, tomatoes and mushrooms.

2) Drain spaghetti; add 2 cups spaghetti sauce mixture and toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 13in x 9in. baking dish; top with cheese mixture.

3) Arrange chicken patties over the top; drizzle with the remaining spaghetti sauce mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until bubbly.

makes at least 4 servings

Penne Pasta w/Vodka Sauce

1 lb. penne pasta
1 stick butter
1 small onion, chopped
1 tsp. minced garlic
2 cans crushed tomatoes (28oz ea.)
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 cup. vodka
1/2 pint heavy cream
salt & pepper to taste

1) Cook pasta as directed on box. Heat large skillet, melt butter, add onion & cook until translucent. Add garlic, cook 2 minutes, stir in tomatoes cook 5 minutes & stir in sugar, salt & pepper then cook 15 to 20 minutes stirring occasionally.
2) Stir in vodka & cook another 10 minutes. Stir in cream & cook additional 3 to 5 minutes.
3) Enjoy over pasta.

Tip: you can use any pasta you want. to kick it up you can add crushed red pepper. Sprinkle it with parmesan cheese, omit the garlic or substitute 2 shallots for the onion.

Pizza Mac & Cheese

1 pkg. (7.25oz) mac & cheese dinner mix
6 cups water
1 lb. ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small green pepper, chopped
1 1/2 cups (6oz)  shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups (6oz) shredded cheddar cheese
1 jar (14oz) pizza sauce
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni


1) Set the cheese packet from dinner mix aside. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add macaroni, cook for 8-10 minutes or until tender.

2) Meanwhile, in  a large skillet, cook the beef , onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.

3) Drain macaroni; stir in contents of cheese packet. Transfer to a greased round 2 1/2 qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Top with the beef mixture, pizza sauce, pepperoni and remaining  cheeses.

4) Bake , uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until heated through.

Serves 6

Pork Sandwiches w/Root beer BBQ sauce

1 boneless pork sirloin roast (2 lbs)
1 medium onion, sliced
2 tbsp. dried minced garlic
3 cups root beer,  divided
1 bottle (12 oz) chili sauce
1/8 tsp. hot pepper sauce
8 kaiser rolls, split

1) Place roast in a slow cooker. add onion, garlic and 1 cup root beer. Cover and cook on low for 9-10 hrs or until meat is tender.
2) In a small saucepan, combine chili sauce, hot pepper and remaining soda. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes or until thickened.
3) Remove meat from slow cooker; cool slightly. Discard cooking juices. Shred pork with two forks and return to slow cooker. Stir in bbq sauce. Cover and cook on low for 30 minutes or until heated through. Serve on rolls.

Makes at least 8 servings

Tempting Tacos

1 lb. ground beef
1/4 cup worcestershire sauce
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin (optional)
12 taco shells
 taco garnishes


1) In 12-in. nonstick skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic: drain. Stir in worcestershire sauce, chili powder and cumin. Simmer 2 minutes or until liquid is almost absorbed. Evenly fill taco shells. Serve with garnishes (salsa, chopped tomatoes, chopped onions etc...)

Diana's meatloaf

3/4 cup milk
1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
2 lbs. ground beef (meatloaf mix works best)
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground pepper
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper (optional)
1 small onion, finely chopped, about 1/4 cup
2 eggs, well beaten
1/4 cup ketchup
3 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp. prepared mustard

1) In a medium bowl pour milk over bread crumbs.
2) Add beef, salt, peppers, onion and eggs.
3) Mix thoroughly.
4) Turn meat mixture into a 9 x 5 in. loaf pan that has been greased or sprayed with nonstick spray.
5) In a seperate small bowl mix ketchup, brown sugar and mustard. Spread over top of meat loaf.
6) Bake in a 325 degree oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hrs.
7) Drain off any fat and let sit 5 minutes before slicing.

Tip: You can also mix the ketchup, brown sugar and mustard together and add to the meatloaf to make it moister, if you choose. The measurements for the topping can be adjusted as to taste.