Happy 4th of July Hot Dog Cooking Tips!

Happy Birthday America!

Happy Birthday America! And what better way to celebrate than to serve up one of Americas favorite foods… so get ready to fire up the grill and cook some hot dogs!
Below you’ll find fool proof cooking tips and delicious recipe suggestions that will ensure your hot dogs, whatever style you choose, are true crowd pleasers.

Quick Cooking Tips
Hot Dogs can be grilled, steamed, boiled, micro-waved, or baked

If you are grilling your dogs make sure to control the heat to a medium or medium low heat, charcoal is best.
Use tongs to handle the franks as they cook instead of a fork. This way you won’t pierce holes in the franks allowing for the delicious juices to remain inside- this is sure to satisfy your guests!

Chili Dogs- great to make with the kids!
Ingredients: 
Hot Dogs 
2 ½ cup Corn Meal
1 ¼ cup Flour
1 tsp Baking Soda
½ tsp Salt
1 tbsp Sugar
1 ¼ cup Buttermilk
1 cup Water
1 egg

Directions:
1. Skewer the franks- leaving at least an inch of the skewer for easily handling
2. Mix all of the ingredients until smooth. Use a cake pan or bowl that will allow for easy dipping 
3. Dip skewered franks in the batter
4. Deep fry until golden brown (canola oil works best)
5. Enjoy!

Kebab Dogs
This is another fun recipe for kids and also a great way to include vegetables
Ingredients:
Hot Dogs (cut into bite size chunks)
Bell Peppers- you choose your favorite colors! 
Red Onion
Or Your Favorite Vegetables

Directions:
Lightly brush the cut veggies in olive oil- and skewer, alternating the franks and veggies! Grill until veggies are tender and franks are cooked
Dip in mustard, ketchup, bbq sauce or your favorite condiment
Enjoy!

And if you still need more suggestions… Take a look at the list below, and why not set up a condiment bar so your guests can choose the toppings of their choice and celebrate some of America’s cities and tastes while taking a trip on a hot dog bun!
There’s no going wrong here… they choose it… and are sure to be satisfied!!

Chicago Dogs: Yellow mustard, dark green relish, chopped raw onions, tomato slices, celery salt and a poppy seed bun

Carolina Dogs: steamed with sauerkraut or coleslaw

Kansas City Dogs: sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese on a sesame seed bun.

New York City Dogs: boiled with grilled onions and deli mustard

Coney Island Dogs: boiled and topped with a spicy meat chili.

Tex-Mex Dogs: topped with salsa, Monterey Jack cheese, and chopped jalapenos.

Boston Dogs: boiled, then grilled topped with mustard and relish in a potato bun or lobster roll
To make it easier on the chef- choose one method of cooking (grilling, steaming, or boiling) and stick to it!