How to fancy up Hot Dogs Photo: Catie Viox

Memorial Day, also known as Decoration Day, is a special holiday set aside to honor those men and women in the armed forces who died while serving in the United States military. It’s scheduled for the last Monday in May and is the reason for a three-day, long holiday weekend. While this special day was originally organized to honor those killed in the Civil War, it later became a day to memorialize those killed in any way and while serving our country. Many people observe this holiday by decorating cemetery headstones of those fallen during service–hence the name “Decoration Day.” There are also parades and other memorial services.

On a less serious note, Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of summer, and, for me, the weekend is almost synonymous with holiday cookout! It’s one of the holidays I most enjoy. It’s the unofficial, official kick-off to summer. It’s a laid-back holiday when school is typically out for the summer break or graduation time is rolling around, a time to plan that big summer vacation and a relaxing, long weekend to spend with family and good friends.

A holiday cookout is so much fun and does not have to be stressful. In fact, with a little planning, a cookout can be one of the least hectic ways to entertain. I have previously discussed easy cookouts, entertaining ideas, and a burger bar. So this year, I am focusing on another Memorial Day cookout element: the hot dog.

I love hot dogs and grew up eating them at every family cookout. I wondered why a hot dog is called a hot dog…so I looked it up this year. Ironically, one of the foods most closely associated with American traditions did not start in the United States. German sausages, called frankfurters, are the original prototype for hot dogs, and the “dog” part referenced in the name refers to a dachshund–or a sausage dog! Those who know me know I had two fabulous little rescue dachshunds, Max and Oscar, for many years. Another story about the origin of the name hot dog has to do with the method of steaming them, and they are literally l” red hot” when served. Regardless of how they got their name, they are easy, fun, and tasty.

I was having a hot dog recently when I decided to see how our Pimento Cheese would taste on it. I slathered on a generous amount and tasted it. It was perfect. The pimento cheese perfectly pairs with the hot dog and makes for a delicious alternative to the traditional toppings.

Speaking of toppings, I think setting up a hot dog toppings bar would be great fun and an easy way to host a holiday weekend cookout. There isn’t anything easier than throwing a bunch of hot dogs on the grill and cooking them to perfection. No one can resist! Hot dogs topped with mustard and ketchup are wonderful, but putting together a hot dog bar with a little more variety is not hard and can easily “make” an outdoor party!

So what do you put on a hot dog bar? Let your imagination run wild, and remember anything goes. First, start with the hot dogs. Now is not the time to be bargain shopping. Don’t buy the cheapest hot dogs at the grocery. Spring is the best you can find. All-beef, natural hot dogs are my pick–and it never hurts to ask your favorite butcher. Don't forget the veggie dogs if you’re cooking for a crowd. Grill them up and stuff them into a sturdy hot dog bun–or let guests take them directly off the grill and take it from there.

Here are some ideas on how to fancy up hot dogs.

The Curious Kitchen Dog features all In the Curious Kitchen products, including pimento cheese, beer cheese, or bourbon honey mustard.
The Italian Dog features grilled onions, red and green grilled bell peppers, ketchup, and pepperoncini peppers.
The Chicago Dog features a variety of mustards, chopped onions, diced tomatoes, and pickled peppers.
The New York Deli Dog features sauerkraut, everything bagel seasoning, and spicy mustard.
The All-American Dog featuring mustard, ketchup, diced onions, and relish
The Chili Dog features chili, sharp cheddar cheese, diced onions, and mustard.
The Mexican Dog features salsa, Mexican cheeses, nacho cheese dip, jalapeno peppers, and cilantro.
The Reuben Dog features sauerkraut, swiss cheese, and Russian Dressing.

Other toppings include cole slaw, mayonnaise, bacon, BBQ sauce, Buffalo Sauce, Sriracha, Chipotle, Teriyaki sauce, and even Ranch or Bleu Cheese dressing.

Don’t forget a variety of potato chips, an ice-cold beer, or a nice chilled white or rose wine, and you’ve got a party!

Here’s to summer fun!

Cheers,

MK

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