Saturday 19 December 2009

My perfect Hot Dog.

And now for something completely different: My perfect hot dog. Homemade hot dogs in this country tend to be pathetic efforts when compared to the American standard. I've even had some great hot dogs whilst travelling around Europe. The only place that you can get an half decent hot dog in this country seems to be cinema. So I've been on a quest of heroic proportions to find the ingredients to make my perfect hot dog.

First of all there is the hot dog sausage itself. After literally minutes of research, I've found that Ye Olde Oaks Giant Hot Dogs taste like the real thing, and they are also the right size.
Next is the bun. Asda large finger rolls are the perfect size for these large hot dogs, and they have the bonus of being fresh baked.


And so on the those all important toppings. The obvious must have is Heinz tomato ketchup, but make sure it is the squirty type so that you can get a nice squiggly line of it down your sausage. And for that authentic American taste get hold of some French's American classic mustard.

Now normally I would have said fry up some finely chopped onions and stick them on top, but I've managed to find fried dried onions. I've had these on some great hot dogs in Germany and fell in love with them. Give them a whirl, you won't be disappointed (They're crunchy).


And so that's it, my perfect hot dog (for now). Enjoy.

Do you have any suggestions for a great hot dog?

21 comments:

Chris said...

This is just such a coincidence, Steve, because I've eaten fifteen hot dogs (three tins) today. Got a real thing about them at the moment. I'll have to try the dried fried onion, but I agree with you that the American mustard is the thing to use for this particular bit of nosh. Personally, I leave off the ketchup.

Daily Referendum said...

Bloody hell Chris, 15!!! I hope you've counted your fingers.

Chris said...

lol! I've just had a real thing about them for the last couple of weeks. I dunno why. I'd like 'em for Christmas dinner, with fries and salad, but my "better half" (her phrase) thinks otherwise.

So it's to be soggy sprouts and dry-as-dust turkey.

Again.

I shouldn't complain about the quality of the food really. I do the cooking.

Beware of Geeks bearing GIFs said...

In order to recreate the authentic UK fairground hotdog, does Asda sell a handy sachet of Campylobacter?

King Athelstan said...

Got some belting ones from Morrisons earlier this year, just called Jumbo Hot Dogs, £1 for a pack of 4. I concur with the choice of French's and Heinz but the real bugger is finding a good bun, Sainsburys used to do good purpose made ones but haven't seen them lately, have to try the Asda ones. Love a good dog but can't eat onions, they make Me sick.

Daily Referendum said...

BOGBG,

I hate those stalls that claim to sell hot dogs, only to find out that is a very dodgy half cooked sausage that I wouldn't feed my dog.

Daily Referendum said...

KA,

I've got a Morrisons near me, so I'll give them a try. It's true that a real hot dog bun is better than a finger roll, but they are hard to come by.

Beware of Geeks bearing GIFs said...

Steve - agreed, the smell of onions might be enticing, but the end product is a bit grizzly. Or gristly.

Still, I'm going to buy some of that French's mustard and now I want a hot dog for Sunday brunch! Mmmm! Thank you!

Chris said...

This is making me ravenous.

Anonymous said...

Being an Football Stadium traditionalist... I steam the buns for about 2 minutes... Try it ;)

Daily Referendum said...

What's the best way to steam em Harry?

Anonymous said...

Hi Steve... Merry Christmas,.

I heat(boil)the hotdogs in the base of an ordinary steamer with one compartment added on top for the buns(pre-cut if preferred). I was given the tip by a New Yoik deli chef.

You can use one saucepan, if you can devise a safe way to keep tghe bread out of the water. Two minutes should do it. Shhh, keep it a secret and impress the family with your skills

Harry.

Daily Referendum said...

Cheers H,

I've got one of those steamer thingies, I'll give it a go.

Mulligan said...

Fenway Franks with the Sox beating the evil Yankees in the bottom of the ninth. The absolutely perfect hot dog.

Devonshire Dumpling said...

All I want now is a hot dog - Happy Christmas, Steve

Chris said...

Well, Steve, I've got eight tins of hot dogs to see me over the "festive" period... I can't find the dried fried onions you recommend at my local supermarket, but I intend to look further afield.

In the meantime, I wish you a very merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

And a merry Christmas to you steve

James Higham said...

I could do with one of those now. Merry Christmas, Steve.

SEX TOYS said...

An ideal compliment to the Sexy Valentines Gifts I have got for my girlfriend.

Thank you.

Anonymous said...

For the authentic football ground hot dog,firstly go to the toilet before making it, making sure your finger goes through the toilet paper as you wipe your arse, then spill sum piss on your hands for added effect,wear a cow gown with dirty finger marks all over it and then get your ugly but big titted niece to help you serve em up making sure they are served with tasteless boiled onions and bread that is so thin it just falls apart,perfection!

ken said...

I prefer a sausage to a hot dog.