Hot dog fans often have unique ways to eat them.
Known by many names, from red dogs to frankfurters, hot dogs are considered one of the No. 1 foods in America. They come in one shape but many sizes, and hot dog devotees often cook up unique ways to eat them. Once associated primarily with campfires and baseball games, hot dogs can also be included in gourmet preparations. Over the years, chefs around the world have come up with creative and even to serve hot dogs. It's almost impossible to eat one and not have fun.
Inside the Bun
Hot dogs are often considered a summertime food. Perhaps the most traditional fun way to cook a hot dog is skewered on a stick over an open flame at a campsite. However, some prefer to liven things up by dousing the dog in spices, carving designs in the sides, then doing the roasting.
One fun way to serve hot dogs is to have a condiment party, with sauerkraut, chili cheese or even macaroni available. For a twist on traditional ketchup and mustard, try squirting these two condiments inside the dog instead of on top.
Getting Creative
Hot dogs can be dipped in corn batter and deep fried -- also known as a corn dog. Slight variations in spices to the corn batter can liven up these dogs. Instead of a bun, some Chinese restaurants wrap hot dogs in won-ton wrappers and deep fry them. In the summer, a rice wrapper can be used for hot dog spring rolls.
When Halloween approaches, regular pigs in a blanket can be transformed into scary edible mummies by taking biscuit dough and wrapping it around a hot dog, leaving a small opening in the dough for the mummy's face. Add peppercorns for the eyes once the mummies are baked in the oven, and serve the spooky treat with cheese sauce.
Dogs Gone Wild
For some completely outrageous ways to prepare hot dogs, "Woman's Day" magazine compiled 10 creations and called them "Crazy Hot Dogs." One of the most whimsical suggestions was inserting dried spaghetti into a hot dog. When the dog is boiled, the noodles cook inside. Everyone will be surprised when the franks are cut into pieces and cooked noodles emerge.
Anyone who likes things over the top can try a French fry-encrusted hot dog. Just stick cooked fries on a hot dog coated in cornmeal batter, then deep fry the whole concoction. If that's not enough, there's the hamburger-coated hot dog or bacon-wrapped hot dog, served with all the fixings.
Considerations
According to the National Hog Dog and Sausage Council, Americans spent $1.6 billion on hot dogs in 2010, with the Fourth of July being the biggest day for hot dog sales. However, hot dogs are one of the more common foods served at celebrations year-round. Whether they're are smothered in avocado and sour cream or served with spicy ketchup for dipping, hot dogs are just plain fun to eat.
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