The Diverse & Controversial Nutritional Value of the Hot Dog

 

      Sometimes I go to the more critical side of journalism on my blog, these topics can range from politics to life and most often to the cuisine arena.  Today, we will discuss the versatile American favorite, the hot dog.  Of course, Barb and I enjoy these as much as so most Americans.  

      The 'Frankfurter' was invented in Frankfurt, Germany and quickly emigrated to America.  The major difference between the two is frankfurters are mostly pork based, while the hotdog can be and usually is a variety of meats.  

      The entire process of hot dog construction is worthy of some concern as with most food these days there are entire too many processed food procedures, such as multi-meat fillers, nitrites, and chemical preservatives.  These are the #1 causes of colon cancer in the U.S.  There are several brand names to stay away from, most notably Ball Park Franks.  Only the whole beef variety of these is acceptable.  The best approach to take when buying a quality hot dog is to watch for the above mentioned All Beef label.  These are stuffed with only this and use a minimum number of preservatives.  Also, any brands that use chicken, pork, or turkey are much better and safer as well.    

These are the Top 10 brands of hot dogs (in terms of quality):

1.  Kirkland (COSTCO) Beef Dinner Franks

2.  Ambassador Old Fashioned Weiners

3.  Hebrew National Beef Franks

4.  Oscar Meyer Classic Weiners

5.  Sugardale Hot Dogs

6.  Nathan's Beef Franks

7.  Ballpark Bun Size All Beef Franks

8.  Vienna Beef Jumbo Beef Franks

9.  Bar S Jumbo Franks

10.  Jenny O Turkey Franks 

    Also, the Top 6 restaurant chains serving the best hot dogs: 

1.  Dairy Queen 

2.  Sonic

3.  Nathan's Famous

4.  Wienerschitzel

5.  5 Guys

6.  Shake Shack

**Coincidentally Five Guys slices their dogs in half resulting in a thicker, stacked bun.  Sonic offers a delicious foot long Coney Dog with chili.  

      Now down to the Nitty Gritty:  The Rich 'Mad Chef 'Hilts favorite hot dog recipes.

 

CHICAGO DOG

ROTEL CHEESE DOG

Self-explanatory

BAKED POTATO DOGS

Also, pretty self explanatory 

HOT DOG STUFFED MANICOTTI

1 (8 oz) package manicotti shells

1 (10-count) package hot dogs

1 (16 oz) block Colby-Jack cheese, shredded

4 (15 oz) cans no-bean chili

1 cup Ricotta cheese

1 small white onion, finely diced (optional)

Mustard, for drizzling (optional) 

      Preheat your oven to 350°F.  Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the manicotti shells according to the package directions, but only until they are pliable and slightly underdone.  Drain and set aside.

      Gently roll or lather each hot dog in Ricotta and stuff into each cooked manicotti shell.

      Spread one can of chili over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.  Arrange the hot dog-stuffed manicotti in a single layer over the chili.

      Pour the remaining cans of chili over the manicotti and top with the rest of the shredded cheese.

      For added flavor, drizzle with mustard and sprinkle with finely diced onions if desired.

      Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

      Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.

      Of course, there are also other extraneous uses in spaghetti, baked beans, etc.  However, let's not forget the All-American Hot Dog grilled over the campfire.  I love mine a bit on the overcooked, crispy side.  

"I can't tell you how many hot dogs I've eaten in my life"

Shia Lebouf