Hot Dog! It's the 4th of July!

So Here's How to Make the Best Hot Dog Experience

By Sam Ferreri  What could be more "American" than Hot Dogs?  Well, a lot of things, actually, because hot dogs were created in Frankfurt, Germany around the 13th century, and the terms "wiener" comes from Vienna, Austria . . . but who cares?  They're now as American as Apple Pie!

The Traeger Smoker

So when is a better time to eat them than the 4th of July?  This is it . . . this is your chance!  Las year, I purchased a Traeger Electric Smoker . . . and yum yum yum.  I discovered that there's absolutely no better way to prepare the tube steak (a/k/a the wiener) than to smoke it on the Traeger until it "busts" down one side!  I buy the "base model" Oscar Meyer hot dogs for this event.  

Of course, there are many options in hot dogs . . . fat dogs, skinny dogs, bun-length dogs, all-beef dogs, turkey dogs, chicken dogs . . . I really don't want to know what goes into any of them!  But they come out soooooo tasty!  I've recently had Lucky Dogs on Bourbon Street in N'awlins and Middle-Eastern Dogs? . . . on the streets of New York City.  (I call them Middle-Eastern Dogs because it seems that these hot dogs stands are run mostly by middle eastern guys who also offer shish-kabobs and a variety of other ethnic treats.)  

But NONE are better than my smoked dogs at home!  And now, a new discovery, thanks to Jose's Mom and Michelle:  Smoked Hot Dogs with Honduran Curtido.  OMGosh!  This is a little treat from heaven.

Empty jar + Full Jar of Jose's Mom's Delicious Honduran Curtido

One day, I had been invited to Jose's mom's house for a Honduran dinner where I noticed this huge jar of "stuff" in purple juice.  I asked Jose what it was, and he turned up his nose and said, "oh that's my mom's curtido."  To which I asked, "what is it?  Can I try some?"  "Sure, he said, have at it."

Jose and his sister clearly do not like it, but it was very intriguing to me.  So . . . one bite, and I was HOOKED!  This "stuff" is delicious!  From what I can discern, it consists of red cabbage, red onions, jalapeños, vinegar, and south-of-the-border spices.  And it goes on EVERYTHING!

Michelle came over, tasted it, and remarked how good it would be on hot dogs . . . so we smoked some . . . and she was right!  There's no better hot dog combination that we've found yet!  So . . . 4th of July . . . . . we've got fireworks ready!  Dogs and curtido ready!  Let Freedom Ring!

Hot dog and wine party anyone???  How do you like YOUR dogs?