For less than $1 a pack, hot dogs are a lunch drawer necessity for homes with children.

However, this classic food item does not need to be served on a bun with ketchup and/or mustard.

In fact, there are many different ways to eat a hot dog, and the following recipes will make you look at hot dogs differently.

Caryn Murray is a mother and frugal food shopper

Quick, Easy and tasty

1 pack of hot dogs

Leftover mashed potatoes (or instant potatoes)

4 slices American cheese

Slice each hot dog lengthwise so you can open it and fold it flat.

Arrange hot dogs on a cookie sheet and top with large piles of leftover mashed potatoes. Be generous.

Place half of a slice of cheese on top of each mound of mashed potatoes.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.

Sloppy Dogs

1 pound ground beef

1 package hot dogs

1 package hot dog buns

1 can sloppy joe sauce

Cook the ground beef in a

large skillet over medium heat, stirring until browned.

Drain grease, then stir in sloppy joe sauce and bring to a simmer.

Add the hot dogs and cook until hot dogs are heated through.

Serve on buns.

Sweet and Sour Hot Dogs

1 green bell pepper, sliced

1 onion, sliced

1 can tomato soup

1 can tomato paste

1 package hot dogs

1 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon vinegar

1 drained can mandarin oranges (optional)

In a medium saucepan, combine pepper, onions, brown sugar, tomato paste, tomato soup and vinegar.

Simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes, then add hot dogs and continue to simmer for an additional 15 minutes, stirring frequently.

(Optional, add the mandarin oranges in the last 5 or 10 minutes of cooking.)

Serve with rice, and enjoy the taste of the orient without breaking the bank.