Hot Dogs

Frankfurter, wiener, weenie; foot long, cocktail, bun length; cooked on an outdoor grill, over an open fire, boiled on top of the stove.  If you were a fan of Big Bang Theory, you will recall that Sheldon favored sliced hot dogs in his plate of spaghetti.  

Here are some options to consider:

Hot Dog Casserole

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 5 medium red potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 pound hot dogs, halved lengthwise and cut into ½ inch slices
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• chopped green onion, optional

Directions:

• Melt butter.  Stir in flour, salt and pepper.  Stir until smooth.  Gradually add milk to create a roux.  Bring to a boil and stir until thick.
• Prepare a 2 ½ quart baking dish.  Layer 1/3 of the potatoes, half the hot dogs, and half the onion.  Repeat.  Finish with the remaining potatoes.  Pour in white sauce.
• Bake covered in an oven preheated to 350 for 1 hour.  Uncover; add cheese.  Bake until potatoes are tender.  Garnish with chopped green onion, if you wish.

Cowboy Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 4 cans (16 ounces each) baked beans
• 8 hot dogs, sliced
• ½ cup barbecue sauce
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

• In a large pot, cook beef until no longer pink.  Drain.
• Add balance of ingredients.  Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer.

Pigs in a Serape

Ingredients:

• 8 hot dogs
• 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
• 8 (10 inch) flour tortillas
• 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
• 1 can (2 ¼ ounce) sliced ripe olives, drained
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
• sour cream and salsa, optional

Directions:

• Cook hot dogs according to package directions. 
• Spread beans over the center of each tortilla.  Layer chiles, olives, and cheese.  Place hot dog down the center.  Fold bottom and sides of tortilla; you may want to secure with a toothpick.
• Heat 1 inch of oil to 375 degrees.  Fry in batches, seam side down, until golden brown.
• Drain on paper towels.  Discard toothpicks.
• Serve with sour cream and/or salsa.

Skewer Dogs

Ingredients:

• 1 pack (8 dogs) quartered
• 3 cups pineapple, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 2 bell peppers, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 small red onion, cut into 1 inch pieces

Directions:

• Build skewers by alternating meat and other items.  Brush with barbecue sauce.
• Grill on medium heat, turning every few minutes, until all skewers are charred. 
• Serve with remaining barbecue sauce.

Korean Corn Dog

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling
• 1 package (¼ ounce) instant yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 4 beef hot dogs
• 4 cheese sticks, optional
• 1 ½ cups panko bread crumbs
• 2 cups chopped frozen fries, crumbled ramen and/or crushed cornflakes, optional
• vegetable oil for cooking
• condiments as desired

Directions:

• Mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt until combined.  Add milk to form a sticky batter.  Cover bowl and put in a warm place to proof until double in size.
• In a large pot that will accommodate a deep-fry thermometer, pour 2 inches of oil and heat to 325 degrees.
• If using cheese sticks, slice cheese and dogs in half.
• Thread hot dogs onto skewers, or alternate cheese and dog.
• Dredge hot dogs in flour mixture, making sure entire dog is covered.
• Dredge into desired toppings, i.e. panko, etc.
• Fry, turning occasionally, until deep, golden brown.  Drain on paper towels.
• Sprinkle with sugar and/or condiments.

Chili Cheese Dog Cups

Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
• 1 can chili, or 8 to 10 ounces of homemade
• 8 hot dogs, sliced
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 1 egg, whisked
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon chives, chopped, for garnish

Directions:

• Prepare 2 muffin trays by using nonstick cooking spray or greasing.
• Slice biscuits in half and press inside muffin cups to form a bottom crust.
• Spoon heaping tablespoons of chili into the cups.  Top with 4 or 5 slices of hot dog and a sprinkle of cheese.
• Brush exposed area of biscuit with egg wash.
• Bake in an oven preheated to 325 until golden or about 20 to 25 minutes.
• Garnish with chopped onion and chives.