Labor Day Dinner Recipes

When the Labor Day weekend is approaching most people tend to think of having hamburgers, hot dogs or even swiss brats which have been cooked on a grill. However, it is highly probable that the weather will become something other than sunny and really put a damper on any planned outside activities. If that's the case it pays to think ahead and be prepared. Just make it easy on yourself and go for quick to put together meals.

LAZY DAY LASAGNA: Combine and set aside: 12 ounces cottage cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella; 2 eggs; 1/3 cup chopped parsley; 1 tsp. onion powder; 1/2 tsp. basil; 1/8 tsp. pepper; 9 uncooked lasagna noodles; 1/2 cup water. Brown 1 lb. ground beef and add a 32 ounce can spaghetti sauce. Spread 3/4 cup meat sauce in 12x8x2 pan, layer with three lasagna noodles. Spread with half the cottage cheese mixture, then 1 1/2 cups meat sauce. Layer 3 more noodles, then remaining cottage cheese mixture. Top with remaining noodles and remaining meat sauce. Carefully pour 1/2 cup water around edge of casserole. Cover tightly. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes more. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

CHILI DOGS: 12 hot dog buns, buttered and toasted; 12 hot dogs; 1 lb. hamburger; 3 Tbsp. chili powder; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 Tbsp. sugar; 1 tsp. salt; 3/4 cup catsup; 1/4 cup water. Brown hamburger and onion and drain off any excess liquid. Add all ingredients except hot dogs and buns. Cook over medium to low heat for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring often. Be certain it is cooked well. Score hot dogs and cook until puffed. Toast buns lightly; Serve hot dogs in toasted buns with tons of chili. These can be garnished with minced onion and shredded cheese.

BAR-B-QUE RIBS: 2 1/2 pounds country style ribs; (Sauce follows) 1 Tbsp. celery salt; 1 Tbsp. chili powder; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp. paprika; 1 large can tomatoes; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. Brown the ribs, drain off liquid. Mix the rest of the ingredients together. Pour sauce over ribs and bake for 2 hours at 350 degrees. The sauce makes enough for 4 pounds of ribs, so go for it!

I DON'T CARE HOTDISH: I believe this is self-explanatory. 2 pounds hamburger; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1 clove garlic; salt and pepper to taste; Lowry's seasoning to taste; 1 cup uncooked rice; 1 cup diced green pepper; (Bean mix) 1 (15 oz.) can chili beans; 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce; 1/4 cup barbecue sauce; 1/4 cup salad dressing; 3 dashes worcestershire sauce. Brown the hamburger and pour off liquid, add onion, garlic and seasonings, While the burger is warming, heat the bean mix in a saucepan. Pour the bean mix over burger mix in a medium size casserole, add uncooked rice and diced green pepper. Mix together and crumble some crackers on the top. Bake in 350 degree oven for 1 hour.

RAINBOW ROTINI TOSS SALAD: 1 (1 lb.) package of rainbow rotini; 2 large tomatoes, chopped; 2 small cucumbers, quartered and sliced; 2 cups sliced, fresh mushrooms; 1 cup diced green pepper; 1 cup chopped ripe olives; 1 cup green olives with pimento; 1 cup chopped celery; 1 cup chopped onion; 1 cup olive oil; 4 Tbsp. vinegar; 2 tsp. seasoned salt; pepper and paprika to taste. Prepare rotini according to package directions. Drain. Add tomatoes, cucumbers, mushrooms, green pepper, olives, celery and onion. Blend olive oil, vinegar, seasoned salt, pepper and paprika. Toss dressing with salad mixture. Cover and chill. Before serving, toss gently. Zesty Italian salad dressing can be used in place of olive oil dressing if you wish. Leftovers keep in refrigerator for several days.

SLICED CUCUMBERS IN SOUR CREAM: 2 large cucumbers, peeled and very thinly sliced; 1 tsp. salt; 1 cup sour cream; 2 Tbsp. lemon juice; 1 Tbsp. onion, finely chopped; 1/4 tsp. sugar; dash of pepper; 1 1/2 tsp. parsley, finely chopped. Lightly toss cucumber with salt. Chill well. Combine sour cream, lemon juice, remaining salt, onion, sugar and pepper. Drain cucumbers. Toss with sour cream mixture. Refrigerate until well chilled--about two hours. To serve turn into shallow serving bowl and sprinkle with parsley.

Also think about a potluck style party or picnic. You'll do the grilling/cooking of the main course if evereyone else will bring the salads and desserts. Just relax and enjoy yourself!