Lemon-herb pasta

So you want something easy, but you're out of spaghetti sauce. Or maybe you want dinner to seem fancy without putting a lot of work into it. Try this. Super yummy, and so easy.

1 lb. pasta of your choice (we like linguine)
2 tsp. dried oregano
2 tsp. dried basil
2 tsp. dried parsley
2 tsp. garlic powder
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. lemon juice

Cook your pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse so it doesn't stick together. Return to pot (or put in a big bowl) and add olive oil, lemon juice, and spices. (You can adjust spices and lemon juice to taste -- this is just a rough estimate to get you in the right direction.) Toss well to mix everything, and serve hot. Great with garlic bread. You can also add in some crushed red pepper if you like it. If you have premixed Italian Seasoning on hand, you can use that instead of the individual spices and just add it to taste.

This works great as a main dish, or if you use little noodles like penne or something, it's a really nice side. Easy peasy, and a nice change of pace from regular spaghetti. :)

Potatoes, Kraut, & Hot Dogs

cube some potatoes and start them in some oil in a big pan
add onion, seasoned salt, italian seasoning
cook until potatoes are just about soft, but not quite

add saurkraut and a package of hot dogs cut into bite sized pieces.

simmer on low for a while to allow everything to mix up and soften.  the time needed for this step depends on how done your potatoes were when you added the kraut/dogs and turned the heat down.

i made some garlic cheddar biscuits from a mix and it was a very yummy and easy dinner.  and one pot for the meal...the biscuits get their own pan, though.