In last week’s piece I mentioned hot dogs and so I want to speak about this all-time favourite. What is the appeal of the hot dog? Is it the fact that it is simply a sausage in the middle of soft bread? Or is it because it is a fast and affordable treat? Whatever the reason, it has not lost its popularity, and in some cases, has actually become posh depending on the toppings.

I remember going through a hot dog craze while I lived in the States and used to go to American football and basketball games. Hot dogs are cheap and filling, plus easy on my student budget. I enjoy hot dogs at BBQs, usually as an appetiser while the chicken and burgers are being done. Children also love them for a quick snack, and like to prepare hot dogs as it is easy for them to do.

The sausages used for hot dogs were originally pork or beef, but now there they are also chicken, turkey and vegetarian options. They are narrower than, and not as plump as, other sausages. The sausages associated with hot dogs are wieners or frankfurters. Here in Jamaica, the latter is the more readily available. Of course there have been controversies surrounding the hot dog. In fact, the reason it’s called a “dog” is that in Germany, where it originates, there was a period in which horse and dog meat were consumed in the 1800s, but prohibited in the 1980s.

Another issue which made the hot dog unpopular for a while was its high sodium and fat content, but today, with stricter manufacturing guidelines and the public being more informed on health issues, hot dog sausages are now made with less fat and salt. In spite of the fact that we make them in our homes we should not, however, eat them every day, but rather as a once in-a-while treat.

Hot dogs are consumed a lot at the cinema and are a common sight alongside popcorn. They are also sold at fairs, parks and at stadia. In large cities, hot dog vendors are a common sight. Convenience stores at gas stations are also venues at which the hot dog is sold. There have been many nights where I have seen people gobbling down hot dogs at 24-hour stations as an alternative to pan chicken after a night out.

Hot dogs are a democratic food, in that most people can afford them and they are enjoyed by most. Some prefer the sausages boiled while others love them grilled. The bread used for hot dogs are called buns. They are typically very soft, a perfect cushion for the sausage; but buy them as fresh as possible and use immediately.

The food truck phenomenon has not really taken off in Jamaica yet, but many of the trendy ones abroad sell gourmet hot dogs, which I mentioned was fashionable in last week’s piece. All sorts of exotic toppings are being used to garnish the humble hot dog, from foie gras to various peppers and spices and unusual condiments otherwise associated with fancier dishes. Whether you like it plain or gourmet, the hot dog is here to stay and has survived a battering of its image to emerge as one of the staples of comfort food.

Hot Dog Party

This is one of the easiest food gatherings to create. It’s a simple down-to-earth theme that both adults and kids can enjoy with minimum fuss. Just grill and/or boil your sausages, and let everyone do the rest. Have fun and be creative with your toppings.

Ingredients:

Freshly baked hot dog buns

Ketchup

Mustard

Mayonnaise

Relish

Sauerkraut (pickled cabbage)

Assorted chutneys

Salsa

Assorted Cheeses

Caramelised Onions

Chopped fresh herbs

Peppers

Method:

Lay out all of the sausages, buns and condiments, buffet-style. To balance it out from a nutritional point of view, have a large salad to accompany the hot dogs. Enjoy!

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Bon Appétit!