The Best Hot Dog!

Do you love Hot Dogs?

Dan Wells here, and if you answered "yes", I have to tell you NOTHING compares to the perfect Chicago Dog. I actually had my first one on Monday, and now I'm mildly obsessed! If you don't know, a Chicago Style Hot Dog is more than just a Hot Dog; it's a taste sensation with the perfect blend of toppings. (that is my assessment)

So, what exactly is a Chicago Dog?

A Chicago Style Hot Dog is a steamed all beef Hot Dog topped with yellow mustard, bright green relish, onions, tomato wedges, pickle spear or slice, sport peppers and a dash of celery salt served in the all-important steamed poppy seed bun. It's delicious!

The toppings are just as important as the order they are applied to the Hot Dog. (See below)

If you're going to make one....Hot Dog experts say to add toppings in the following order:

Yellow Mustard
Bright "Neon" Green Relish
Fresh Chopped Onions
Two Tomato Wedges
A Pickle Spear or Slice
Two Sport Peppers
A Dash of Celery Salt
Remember: When adding toppings, dress the dog and not the bun!

I asked the great folks at "Hot Doggin It!" in Symmes Township, why the placement of the toppings so important?

They say if your Chicago Dog has been made properly, you will get a taste of each ingredient in every bite. (and they're right...you really do get each taste)

Here's another crazy fact: A Chicago Style Hot Dog is never boiled, but rather slowly simmered using steam heat until the hot dog reaches approximately 170-180 degrees. Although steam is the preferred method to heat the Hot Dog, grilling, heating in water or using the microwave are also acceptable. Since Hot Dogs are pre-cooked all you need to do is heat the dog.

Ok, if you're like me...you're asking....Where's the Ketchup?

As mentioned earlier, I was told, the toppings are just as important as the Hot Dog itself. If you look at the required toppings for a Chicago Dog, you will notice that Ketchup is not listed among them. Ketchup is an ingredient frowned upon by Hot Dog afficionados. Although ketchup remains one of the most popular condiments on Hot Dogs, "properly made" Hot Dogs, like the Chicago Style, usually lack the condiment.

Whatever way you like your Hot Dog! I can tell you this style is fantastic, so if you're out on Montgomery Road, give "Hot Doggin It" a try. You won't be sorry!

www.hotdogginit.com