July is National Hot Dog Month!

Sam says, "Wheeeeeeeeee!"

July is National Hot Dog Month
According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans will be consuming the infamous little red tubes of "meat" in record numbers this summer. The Council estimates that over seven billion hot dogs will be eaten by Americans between Memorial Day and Labor Day. During the July 4th weekend alone (the biggest hot-dog holiday of the year), 155 million will be downed. Every year, Americans eat an average of 60 hot dogs each. They are clearly one of the country's most loved, but most misunderstood, comfort foods. Below you'll find some frequently asked questions regarding the hot dog. For more information, visit the Council's website at http://www.hot-dog.org/. Bon appétit.

How did the dog get its name?
The term "hot dog" is credited to sports cartoonist Tad Dorgan. At a 1901 baseball game at the Polo Grounds in New York, vendors (as well as male hookers) began selling hot dachsund sausages in rolls. By law, a hot dog can contain up to 3.5 percent of "non-meat ingredients." Don't be scared. This is usually just some type of milk or soy product used to add to the nutritional value. Many hot dogs may be relatively high in fat and sodium, but they are also a good source of protein, iron, and other necessary vitamins.


Steve and I's lunch today

What is the most popular condiment for a hot dog?
Council research shows that for adults, mustard is the condiment of choice, while children prefer ketchup. That said, preferences do change from region to region. For instance, hot dogs in New York are generally served with a lighter mustard and steamed onions, while Chicago hot dogs can come with mustard, relish, onions, tomato slices, or pretty much anything at all. Kids were also asked what condiment they would use "if their moms weren't watching," and 25 percent opted for chocolate sauce (HD prefers Jagermeister)

Do I spread my condiment on the meat or on the bread?
Always dress the dog and not the bun. The Council also recommends the following order for condiment application: first wet (mustard for example), then chunky (relish or onions), then cheese if desired, then any spices.

Is every hot dog bun the same?
The short answer is no. In the U.S., there are two kinds of hot dog buns that are popular in different regions: top-loaded and side-loaded (In San Francisco, they like them rear-loaded). In New England, hot dogs are served in a top-loaded bun. Top-loaded buns are buttered on the side and split open on top. These buns are also often used to make lobster rolls. Outside of New England, the common type of hot dog bun is the side-loaded, meaning they are split open on the side.

What should I drink with my hot dog? (answer edited by HD himself)
Are you kidding?! BEER and only beer!! If you are a pansy, go knock down a lemonade. Just don’t let a fellow hot dogger see you do it!


Coach Steve enjoying the start of National Hot Dog Month!