Thursday, July 19, 2012

July is National HOT DOG Month

National hot dog month
[source]
Did you know that July is National Hot Dog month and 21st of July is the National Hot dog Day?? Yup one of kids and back yard bar-b-ques favorite!  Hot Dog Day is an annual event and it began in 1972. And, New Yorkers consume more hot dogs than any other city, beating out Chicago and Los Angeles! 
And according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, [did you even know that this council existed, I didn't]  Americans will be consuming the infamous little red tubes of "meat" in record numbers this summer.
free Wallpapers 

The Council estimates that over seven billion [wow] hot dogs will be eaten by Americans between Memorial Day and Labor Day. During the past July 4th weekend alone (the biggest hot-dog holiday of the year), 155 million will be eaten! Of those numbers 818 will be eaten every second during the month! Wow!!
 Every year, Americans eat an average of 60 hot dogs each. [hmmm not me] 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. 

How did the "Hot Dog" get its name you ask? Well the term "hot dog" actually is credited to sports cartoonist Tad Dorgan. At a 1901 baseball game at the Polo Grounds in New York, vendors began selling hot dachsund sausages in rolls.

Now for the healthy question. What are hot dogs actually made of? do you really want to know?  The council actually refers to the "hot dogs" insides as "specially selected meat trimmings" is that scary? You bet-cha!  

But fear not, as the DOA [Department of Agriculture] has rules about this and the "hot dog" has become much leaner and must be made of muscle from the animal. Does that make you feel better? 

In most supermarkets the casings are cellulose casings, which are removed before packaging and some still use the traditional natural casings. :) Feel better now? These are made from animal intestines. Yuck! But there is still that unknown substance that the law allows, 3% non-meat ingredients???? Hmmm now what could that be???? Don't get too scared, this is usually just some sort of milk or soy product with a little nutritional values added to our dogs! Believe it or not the "dog" may be high in sodium and fat, but they are also a good source of protein and iron and other necessary vitamins. 

To tally it all up, eat the "hot dog" if you like them, just 


The Weinermobile

Do you remember this "weiner" mobileIt's one of the most unique yet most recognizable vehicles ever designed and just the sight of it will make you hungry!


How about an "Octopus Dog"

Octopus Hot Dogs
Make them for the kids.... These are called "Octopus Hot Dogs"


Let's Make "Mummy Dogs"


How to make them




The "Dog" Hor Dog Buns



You will need:




just follow the photo and get a package of pre-made roll dough, shape into the the dogs face, use one for each ear and 3 for the face, one for each cheek and one for the forhead, they will blend together as they bake, the back side can be plain with no face. The features are black beans stuck into the dough right after you remove them from the oven... add your dog between 2 and there's your Hot "dog" too cute!!!! 


Safe way for kids to eat Hot Dogs....




And for a Hot Dog Recipe:


This is called "The Bull Dog"

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat griddle to medium heat. Fill a medium saucepan three-quarters full of water; bring to a boil. Add hot dogs, reduce heat to simmer, and cook until hot dogs are plump and heated through, about 6 minutes.
  2. Using tongs, transfer hot dogs to griddle. Open buns and place interior-side down on griddle. Cook hot dogs and buns until lightly browned.
  3. Serve hot dogs in buns with mustard, coleslaw, chili, and onions.




Saturday, July 7, 2012

Summer Mini Fruit Tarts Dessert!!!!


This is a wonderful little fresh dessert to make for family, friends, or just for you! Lots of scrumptious goodies and so easy. 


summer-mini-fruit-tarts-recipe


summer-mini-fruit-tarts-ingrediets
Here’s what you need.
Super simple! 
1. First, preheat the oven to 355 F (180 C).
2. Using your electric mixer, mix the butter and sugar until fluffy.
3. Add the egg and mix to combine.
4. Then add about 2/3 of the flour and continue mixing.
5. Finally, add the rest of the flour and working with your hands, form a nice smooth dough ball.
summer-mini-fruit-tarts-recipe
6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into about 1/10-inch (2 mm) thickness. 
summer-mini-fruit-tarts-recipe
7. Using a cutter or a glass with a diameter of 3 inches (7.5 cm) or slightly more, cut out circles.
summer-mini-fruit-tarts-recipe 
Just like this.


summer-mini-fruit-tarts-recipe
8. Grease and lightly flour the back side of a mini muffin pan.  Yes, we are working with a flipped mini muffin pan here. Fun, huh? 
summer-mini-fruit-tarts-recipe
9. Cover every other mini muffin cup with a cut out circle  and then crimp the edges.


summer-mini-fruit-tarts-recipe
10. Bake at 355 F (180 C) for about 15-20 minutes or until beautifully golden. 
summer-mini-fruit-tarts-recipe
11. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. 
summer-mini-fruit-tarts-recipe
12. Then fill your shells with sweetened whipped cream and lots and lots of fresh fruit. You can use a little vanilla custard too, I like to spray whipped cream on the top for a delightful dessert! Enjoy!! 
summer-mini-fruit-tarts-recipe
These lovely tarts taste best when refrigerated.
[Photo Source]

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Grilled Pizza For A Summer Treat!



Summertime is "Grilling" time and I LOVE pizza!! Most people do. Its easy, quick to cook, and yummy! Here is a favorite of mine that has lots of options for those who like their pizzas with different toppings. I like pineapple & cheese toppings, so that is what I used in the recipe, however you can add any toppings you like. The combos are endless! Enjoy!!



Grilled Mexican pizza

Ingredients


1-2  large wheat tortillas
1 lbgrilled chicken
1/2 csalsa
1 can
6 oz
chunk tidbits Pineapple
ea. cheddar & monterey jack cheese, shredded
1 can(s)diced tomatoes, no salt added, drained well
Optional:
          1 pkg
            1 sm
Pepperoni
onion, sliced & grilled
1 smgreen bell, sliced & grilled
1 cmushrooms, sliced & grilled

1. Grill chicken breasts let cool and rip in shreds[if you have left over chicken you can use that too]
2. Grill onions and green peppers and mushrooms with low fat margarine[I use
" I Can't Believe It's Not Butter"]
3. Brush both sides of the tortilla shells with olive oil
4. Place on grill rack for 1-2 min. on each side. Remove from grill, top w/  salsa, cheese's, chicken, diced tomato & veggies.
5. Place back on grill, close lid so cheese will melt.