It’s National Hot Dog Day.
Ok, it’s our friends across the pond in the great US of A that celebrate National Hot Dog Day, but as fans of all thing Americana, we were not about to let this pass without talking about it.
There’s few things more American than hot dogs, even though they did originate in Germany. Just a few weeks ago, on 4th July people gathered in Coney Island, New York, for the 100th annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, to see competitive eater Joey Chestnut reclaim his crown from the legendary Matt Stonie, managing to consume 70 hot dogs in 10 minutes.
The competitive eaters dunk the ‘dogs’ and rolls in water in order to eat them more quickly; it’s certainly not about the taste. If you have ever been to New York and bought a dog from a hot dog stand, you will know why they are referred to as ‘dirty water dogs’.
The hot dogs that we would prefer to concentrate on are those that actually taste like they are made from pork or beef, rather than mechanically separated meat (it’s best not to ask!).
There are some great hot dog joints in the UK, one of our favourites being Dogs N Dough in Manchester. Situated in Boar (well named) Lane, these dogs are 100% beef frankfurters served on freshly baked brioche bun.
They have loads of dogs to choose from, but the ones we like the most are the New Yorker (pastrami, horseradish mayo, swiss cheese and jalapeno), the Chili Dog (house chili and sour cream) and Smokey & The Bandit (pulled pork, smoked Monterey jack cheese, jalapenos and blueberry BBQ).
If you are making hot dogs at home, keep it simple and serve with fried onions and American mustard – there’s nothing better.
To mark National Hot Dog Day, here’s three we have made this week – a classic New Yorker Dog, a Banh Mi Dog, and a Tex Mex Dog. Let us know what you think and send us your favourite hot dog recipes too.
About Neil Shaefer
Marketing & Communications Executive of SK Foods.
Your food. Our Passion.
