In one thing I by no means anticipated to need to make clear, this can be a scorching canine recipe however it’s not a recipe for scorching canine. I do know that I’ve a historical past of creating meals from scratch that almost all sane individuals don’t really feel the necessity to — cream cheese, fig newtons, bagels, vanilla extract, and [coming soon] almond extract too — however I do nonetheless depart “grinding meat with spices, salt, and curing brokers right into a easy, positive emulsion” earlier than being “stuffed into casings and smoked” to the specialists, normally at Hebrew Nationwide.
So whereas the Smitten Kitchen’s very first scorching canine recipe isn’t a recipe for making scorching canine, phew, it’s a recipe for my favourite technique to put together them. And on this, as with so many different issues, I’m filled with opinions.
→ Butterflied is greatest: I like my scorching canine butterflied, i.e. break up down the middle however leaving the final bit hinged collectively, then flattened and cooked on a grill or in a pan. This methodology permits the new canine to get browned and extra crisp from the within out. There are additionally structural advantages: much less rolling round because it cooks, and — that is key — higher topping help.
→ Vinegared Iceberg: Whereas I additionally love all the basic scorching canine toppings — yellow mustard, ketchup, minced uncooked onions — I’ve received two different favorites: First, I like chilly, crisp iceberg lettuce, however I prefer it a bit of pickled first, vinegared, if you’ll. My mom in-law makes pickled iceberg and I’m not going to relaxation till I persuade everybody that there’s no superior sandwich or frank topping. It provides the precise chill, crunch, and acidity I need on a scorching day, but in addition all days.
→ Potato Chips: And for those who’re not placing crumbled potato chips in your scorching canine, this can be a good time to start out. I first realized about this from a journey present about Venezuela* a long time in the past [I’d previously only experienced potato chips wedged into a pb&j sandwich in the school lunchroom, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it], however I’ve realized it’s simply as common all through Latin America. The ultra-thin “potato sticks” sort of chip are extra widespread at ballparks, however I promise that crumbled kettle chips are glorious right here too.
As a warmth dome descends on the jap US, I’d be remiss to not point out that for those who’re okay with skipping the Nice American Custom of cooking over scorching metallic grates in triple-digit temperatures to utilize that completely good kitchen we maintain inside, you’ll be able to, actually, make all components of this scorching canine recipe there. See additionally: Oven Ribs, Dry Rub Oven Hen, Crispy Oven Pulled Pork, and each final considered one of my slaws and potato salads. Joyful prepare dinner = glad everybody.
* Venezuela was hit by a 4.8 magnitude earthquake final weekend, and rescue groups are working across the clock beneath catastrophic circumstances to seek out survivors. When you’d like to assist from afar, one of many Smitten Kitchen’s favourite charities, World Central Kitchen, is on the bottom serving scorching meals to impacted households and first responders, and are requesting donations to assist them attain extra individuals quicker. You may contribute right here.
