TASTE
Hot dogs a perfect summer supper
| • | Grilled cheese, please |
By Renee Enna
Chicago Tribune
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The dog days of summer don't always lend themselves to culinary ambition: It's hot, and I'm lazy. So, taking a cue from the nickname, I make the hot dog my supper of choice. When there's a baseball game scheduled the evening of my culinary dog day, all the better.
Even when you dress up the pup with a zesty slaw and assorted accouterments, this supper is speedier than a fastball.
Because the franks are precooked, the microwave (I said I was lazy) heats up the entree in less than a minute. (Flavored sausages can substitute for the hot dogs. Just be sure to buy sturdier buns.)
And for added panache, I like to spike ketchup with other ingredients — in this case cumin and red pepper.
Round out the night's menu with potato chips and popsicles. Total preparation time is a nifty 15 minutes.
You're going to have coleslaw left over. And you're going to have extra hot dogs and buns too. That's what tomorrow is for, especially if there's another night game.
ZESTY SLAW
Combine the slaw mix, mayonnaise, cilantro, red pepper, salt and black pepper to taste in a large bowl; set aside.
HOT DOGS
Combine ketchup, cumin and red pepper in small bowl; set aside. Place hot dogs on a microwave-safe plate; cook on high (100 percent) power until done, about 1 minute. Place hot dogs in buns; garnish with ketchup, mustard, onion and/or relish. Serve slaw on top of dog or on the side. Play ball!
Makes 4 servings.
