The Best Hot Dogs are Frankfurters

I recently shared a little discussion, about Frankfurters, in my “Brag & Bitch about Cooking food group.”  One of my favorite members asked if anyone knew what kind of sausage or hot dog was in a Chicago Dog.  As it turns out, they are Vienna’s or what are more commonly known as Frankfurters.  So I thought it would be fun to put together a tutorial about making Frankfurter Vienna Sausage Hot Dogs at home or, at least, the way I like to make them anyway.

Preparing Frankfurters

First you’ve got to decide how you want your Frankfurters cooked.  Do want them grilled or baked in the oven?  How about steamed or boiled in water?  Or, my personal favorite, skewed and roasted over an open pit fire.  Any and all of these are regularly excepted.  And, as much as I hate to admit it, some folks like to nuke them in the Microwave(eh-hem, my wife).  Now, what kind of bun are you going to use?  In this video tutorial, I show you a real cool way, to make a hot dog bun, that I recently adopted my self.  It’s the Dog Haus method and I like it because they’ve combined the idea of a grilled sandwich by buttering up and grilling soft and tender Dinner Rolls for buns.  Have I got you curious yet?  Now all you have to do is figure out what you want to top your dog with.

Toppings for Frankfurters

There isn’t, exactly, a rule book on Toppings for Frankfurters or any Vienna Hot dog, for that matter.  There are, however, some Classics that you just don’t mess with, like a traditional Chili and Cheese Dog or, as I mentioned before, a Chicago Dog.  But one thing is certain, once the dog is made, toppings are free rein.  Onions, Peppers, tomatoes, avocado, Pickles and whatever Condiments you like to add, in addition to the recipe, are all examples of the possibilities.  And believe me, they are endless.  But one thing is clear, everyone and I do mean every one likes them different.  How do you like your Frankfurters?