We made versions of Bobby Flay's Nacho Dog and his guest, Nick Suarez', Brooklyn's Corniest Hot Dog.M&M's take on the Nacho Dog
All beef hot dogs (Ball Park Franks for the best result)
Homemade pico de gallo (tomatoes, green onion, lime juice - feel free to add some jalapenos (Matt just can't handle heat))
Sliced Avocado
Shredded Jack Cheese
Boil the hot dogs. While the hot dogs are cooking, turn your oven to broil. When hot dogs are cooked, place on aluminum lined cookie sheet and cover with a handful of shredded jack cheese. Place in oven until cheese is melted. Once the cheese has melted, place hot dog in a lightly toasted bun, dress with pico de gallo and sliced avocado. Matt and I agreed some sour cream would be nice with this hot dog.
M&M's take on the Brooklyn's Corniest Hot Dog
All beef hot dogs (see note above)
3 ears of fresh sweet corn (corn removed from cob - $0.71 per ear at our local Jewel)
1/2 cup of diced white onion
Queso fresco to crumble
Mayo and dijon mustard to taste
Boil the hot dogs and while they are cooking toast the hot dog buns. In a saute pan, saute onions in a tablespoon of butter. Once onions are slightly soft, add sweet corn and saute until lightly golden. Once hot dogs are cooked, place in bun, top with corn and onion mixture, and crumble some queso fresco. I enjoyed mine with a bit of mayo and mustard but Matt was a purist - just corn and cheese.
Now the hot dog is an American classic, and in Chicago the traditional fare includes a grilled dog, mustard, onions and relish (NO KETCHUP) and a pickle if you like. The best traditional Chicago dogs we have had are at Superdawg (up on north Milwaukee/Elston). Hot dogs can be the perfect food for a tailgate or a midnight snack at Notre Dame (they sell them for a quarter -- SPOILER, this year prices were shamelessly raised to 33 cents). Now, obviously we don't know what the show's dogs tasted like but this episode and the subsequent recipes elevated the hot dog to a whole new level. As someone that really loves hot dogs, even Matt was impressed with these "fancy" dogs.
Next week we go back to the challenge, so stay tuned.