I think I got it from my grandmother Elsie… the deep affection for a good hot dog. The flames were fanned by the fact that the best hot dogs in the world were located in the state of my origin. If you’ve never had one, put it on your bucket list…. a NYC hot dog, straight from the vendors cart. Never mind that the water those dogs are boiling in looks like they got it straight out of the harbor – those dogs are awesome.
Oh, I know they’re pretty much made out of crap, but there are regulations afterall…
According to an article by Peggy Trowbridge Filippone of About.com, Frankfurter content is regulated by law in the United States. Traditional hot dogs are made of beef, pork, veal, chicken or turkey. They are available with or without skins and may contain up to 30 percent fat and 10 percent added water. For vegetarians, there are tofu hot dogs. (ick. That’s not a dog)
Hot Dog Terms Regulated by Law
• Beef or all-beef: Contains only beef with no soybean protein or dry milk solid fillers added.
• Kosher: All-beef, usually heavily seasoned with garlic.
• Meat: A mixture of pork and beef, usually 40 percent pork and 60 percent beef with no fillers.
• Frankfurter: May contain up to 3.5 percent fillers and made from a combination of meats.
Hot Dog Style Glossary
• Chicago dogs: Yellow mustard, dark green relish, chopped raw onions, tomato slices, celery salt and a poppy seed bun.
• Kansas City dogs: Sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese on a sesame seed bun.
• New York City dogs: Steamed saurkraut, onions and pale yellow mustard sauce. See second photo.
• Coney Island dogs: Topped with a spicy meat mixture.
• Southern slaw dogs: Served with coleslaw on top.
• Corn dogs: Placed on a stick, dipped in corn bread batter, and deep-fried.
• Tex-Mex dogs: Topped with salsa, Monterey Jack cheese, and chopped jalapenos.
• Pigs in a Blanket: Wrapped in pastry and baked.
• Baltimore Frizzled: Split and deep-fried. ( I didn’t find a good picture of that)
What ticks me off is, my blood pressure has been on the rise (what? am I that old?? No!!!)…and someone told me a variety of stupid symptoms I’ve put up with over the years may have to do with a gluten allergy. So I’m trying to get sodium and glutens out of my diet. Guess what’s the number one offender… GASP….
i have had the pleasure of a NYC hot dog straight off the vendor's cart, and yes, it was heaven…
just recently i went to Sonic because they've been advertising their various hot dogs and had a chicago style. and i have to say it was yummy!!! even with a side of tots! 🙂
and i try hard not to eat too many hot dogs because they're loaded with sodium and nitrates and all the bad blood pressure thingies…
yes, getting old rather sucks…
Yes Ma'am I am craving a hot dog. I have always loved a hot dog, raw, boiled, grilled, burnt, any way.
Tonight we are going to an outside festival and the winery is featuring a spicg dog, I might just eat one and take the bullet for your blood pressure!
Patti
I know I'm weird, but I actually prefer the tofu hotdogs.
Brenda
Now I'm so mad that when I was in NYC last fall to run the marathon I didn't bother to get a street vendor hot dog. I knew about the bagels, oh yes I had bagels, but no hot dogs on my list. Arg!
There's nothing like a good ol hot dog with ketchup and mustard when you are really hungry and don't know what to have or want to make a mess. Just pop it in the micro and bam — instant gratification. 🙂
Around here, I chose Hebrew National. Yum!
I love a good hot dog. That slaw dog looks really good. My blood pressure has been up a little. I also found out I have osteoporosis. Getting old really sucks. Oh, and it is not from lack of dairy in my diet. I love milk.
I love hot dogs but only have them a couple times a year. Well maybe more than a couple times a year. When my husband and I make are anniversary trip to NYC I will make sure I have one.
I am TOTALLY craving one of those junky hot dogs right now. We buy Ballpark All Angus Beef brand and prepare them like Chicago Dogs at our house… grill or no grill.. we LOVE the crappy things.
DI
Oh- I love a good hot dog and have had a few off the carts in NYC…AND the roasted chestnuts off other carts!
I like my hotdogs grilled with just a thin line of mustard down one side. A few months ago I discovered that my daughter-in-law only ate hers that way too!;>)
Now I really AM craving one of those crazy things. We have all kinds of good hot dog makers in WI. CUTE post- xo Diana
Sometimes you just gotta have one. I think sauerkraut is very important, but the dog with the slaw definitely looks worth trying. They really are best on a grill with that little bit of black striping.
oh yes, i need some hotdogs now… and its not even quite breakfast time yet!
i have never had a ny hotdog…guess i will have to add it to my list! i will say i am glad they are regulated, but sometimes it's better not to think about it too much! xo!
I love hotdogs too Karen! It is VERY difficult to live without gluten!
I'd like one, too! lol And I know it's no fun to develop allergies and other symptoms as you get older! It becomes more important to be aware of what we eat. My hubby said he was hungry for Roba Dolce tonight after dinner! We're on the lookout for where to buy some! ♥
actually i'm full as we had a huge dinner…but i love me a hotdog just about anytime, anywhere.
Well, honestly I am craving a hot dog now. One of those little pigs in a blanket ones, please.
Sucks about the BP. But if it can be controlled with diet, that's good.
Around here, I'm happy to buy Hebrew National and won't eat anything else. I may have lowered my expectations but not my standards! -grin-
It IS on my bucket list, close to the top! We had lunch yesterday at Coney Islander, a place that's been in Tulsa,Oklahoma since 1925. Greek immigrants, they serve a secret chili recipe over hot dogs and buns that are made just for them, smaller than a reg. dog and sooo good! http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4182/is_20060728/ai_n16635809/
LOVE hotdogs. I had two just yesterday with coleslaw on top. I had no idea it was regional from a region I've never even been to.
Yep, I love them too! I'm fond of the Nathan's and I do love them with slaw! I also love them with chili, cheese and chopped raw onions!
I've been struggling with high BP for several years now–lots of meds don't agree with me. I'm sure the DASH diet works and exercise helps, but it's the stress level that exacerbates it most of all! I've been considering taking yoga classes, if only I could find the time!!!
I love hot dogs, but only have them a few times a year! I love them cooked almost black on a charcoal grill, with mustard, relish, onion on a toasted bun! YUM, and yes, I want one! LOL!!!
The only time I was in NYC back in the dark ages, I don't think hot dogs had been invented. 🙂
Actually, last night I had Ballpark all beef, sauerkraut sans the buns. I blew up like a balloon; next time cole slaw. 🙂
Watch that blood pressure, girl.
I was craving a hot dog yesterday, and ignoring it. This post, with all the glorious photos, has upped the desire. Texting my husband, right now, to bring me hotdogs tonight!
Wow.
NY is where my husband began to love hot dogs.
I've not seen all those varieties!!
Yum! What a great and most informative post Karen!
I love NY hotdogs too and must try a Kansas City style dog now that I know what one IS!
I love saurkraut on a dog. I moved to Chicago in 1986 and let me tell you…. I am not a fan. I don't mind all the toppings at all, but the dog is red and garlic-y and has a thick skin…UGG!
I like pink dogs that melt in your mouth. Yes, they are bad for us but who eats them everyday anyway?
🙂 Thanks for sharing. Your barn project sounds dreamy! I am so excited for you!!!
xx
Alison