Hot dogs are a must for a Fourth of July gathering.  They are the All-American food.  How this came to be, I do not know, but many different cities have signature versions of the frank.  You have heard of the Chicago dog or the hot dogs sold on the streets of New York City.  So – when planning this years July 4th celebration, we thought we would go beyond the usual – mustard, ketchup, onions, chili, cheese.  A Hot Dog Bar emerged – each guest could create their dream dog.

Ever-Lovin’ was the pit master, and he did good!

In the kitchen was a menu board, displaying choices of hot dog toppings.  Do not look too closely.  There is no such thing as Swish cheese – and to make matters worse, I did not have Swiss cheese, but instead we had Cream Cheese and Colby-Jack cheese.  There always has to be a mistake – at least when I am doing something.

There were the usual condiments – mustard, brown mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish (dill and sweet), hot dog relish, Thousand Island Dressing, and barbecue sauce.  The bowl held the sauerkraut.  I overbought on the kraut – I guess everyone does not love kraut as much as I do.  Also in these bowls were olives, jalapeños, a delicious chunky bread and butter relish, and bacon.

On the cooktop, there were grilled onions and peppers.  I should have made more.

Chili was a must have.

There was more – Cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, Pepper-Jack cheese, and Colby-Jack cheese, green onions, fried onions, crunchy peanut butter, cherry preserves, crushed pineapple, and bananas.  I honestly thought someone would make an Elvis dog with peanut butter, bacon, and bananas.  Maybe not.  Number One son asked if I honestly thought someone was going to put peanut butter on their hot dog.  No, but I did think that if someone didn’t want a hot dog, maybe they would like a PB&J on a hot dog bun.

We bought as many different kinds of buns as we could find – plain, wheat, buttery, and hoagie..  Sweet Mother of Pearl!  There were so many choices.

I wish you could have seen the hot dog I created.  (By that time, I was too busy eating to take a picture.)  All I can remember is that it was delicious, and it was so full of goodies that I had to eat it with a fork.

Blessings to you and yours,

This was the type of gathering where dear friends brought food – delicious wonderful side dishes and desserts.  Will share later.

Thank you for reading Lanabird.

Love ya’