Hot Dog!!!!

Nothing says summer like a good old fashioned hot dog. it's the type of food that can be dressed up or down. You can serve it as an hors d' oeuvre or eat it as a snack. You can make it sinful or as healthy as you like. Best of all you can make it your way.

Hot dogs came came from the German town of Frankfurt (hence its' other name frankfurter) and have been around since 1480. They were made out of pork slurry but other flavors such as beef. chicken and turkey have been added. They came to the States in 1870 when a German immigrant Charles Feltman began to sell them. They were also sold in St Louis and made their debut at the St Louis Fair. Back at Coney island one of Feltman's workers, a Nathan Handwerker went into his own wiener dog business and that's how the famous Nathan's was born. Today only a few places such as Nathan's , Sonic and Johnny Rockets sell hot dogs. Most stands are independently owned.

Hot dogs at home are the best. You can pick out what works for you (ours are usually soy)You can cook them they way you want and top them however you want. I usually like mine with with the Ginger People's ginger barbecue sauce on a fried bun. Another great way is having a foot long one fried til almost crackly crisp and serve on a thick roll. This style is popular at a Jersey shore landmark, The Windmill in Long Branch. Their dogs are the best, flavorful, tasty and very very filling.

Hot dogs are the perfect summer nosh. They can be cooked and served a variety of ways. What';s your favorite? Foodie Pantry wants to know.