Time to celebrate the dog; the hot one with a bun


By MURRAY MONTGOMERY - Staff Writer

Once upon a time, during an outdoor cook-out, an ex-friend told me, “If you knew what was in that thing you wouldn’t eat it.” Did I mention he was an “ex-friend?” Coming between me and my hot dog will instantly excommunicate you from my friends list.

So, what if the weenie comprises the muscles of animal meat, and other parts of the critter such as the liver and heart? By the time I get done piling all the other good stuff on it, the eater will forget all about the internal contents of the dog. After all, the manufacturers are required to let us know the ingredients by stating that the product is made “with variety meats” or “with meat by-products” and specifying on the label which variety of meat is used. 

I was happy to find out that a day had been established to honor the hot dog. After all, everything else has a day, week, or month. In 1991, “National Hot Dog Day” was created and was supposed to be celebrated on the third Wednesday in July. However, my research found that the actual date varies from year to year. This time around the celebration falls on Saturday, July 20; I guess we are just supposed to play “wait and see.” No matter, I’ll eat a hot dog anytime I get the urge.

When writing about a particular subject, journalism protocol kind of requires that some history is included. According to anonymous sources, while its precise origin remains somewhat debated, many believe that the hot dog's roots can be traced back to the late 19th century. German immigrants arriving in the United States brought with them the tradition of serving sausages, or "frankfurters," in a bun. I guess the Germans get the credit; I’d also like to thank them for sauerkraut – some folks (not me) put that on their dogs as well.

Another un-named source acknowledges the hot dog as part of the all-American culture. The affordable price, portability, and delicious taste made hot dogs accessible to people from all walks of life, and they quickly became synonymous with American fast food. Heck, the weenie on a bun is even big in sports. Since its invention by the Germans, the hot dog has been paired up with baseball, America's favorite pastime. To this day, enjoying a hot dog while watching a baseball game remains a cherished tradition for many fans.

Okay, so much for hot dog history, let’s get down to the nitty gritty. The following has been called “the art of hot dog customization.” It’s all about the stuff you put on top of the German invention. My research found that one of the reasons hot dogs are so beloved is the sheer variety of toppings that can be added to suit individual tastes. 

From classic condiments like ketchup, mustard, and relish to more adventurous options like chili, cheese, sauerkraut, coleslaw, onions, and jalapeños—the possibilities are endless. Regional variations also contribute to the diverse toppings available across the country. For example, Chicago-style hot dogs are famous for being loaded with an assortment of ingredients, including tomatoes, pickles, and peppers.

As for me, I prefer mustard, pickle relish, onions, and chili; I might include a jalapeño from time-to-time if I think my old stomach will stand it. Then there are times when I’ll substitute the traditional muscles of animal meat (weenies) with Johnsonville Beef Brats, whenever I feel like eating healthy.

So, how can you celebrate National Hot Dog Day? Anonymous sources recommend that the most obvious option is to enjoy a hot dog! Whether you prefer yours grilled, boiled, or even vegan, there's a hot dog for everyone's taste buds. You might try a new topping combination or host a hot dog-themed party with friends and family.

But I suggest that you stay away from those eating contests if you want to retain your appetite for hot dogs. The rules state that contestants have 10 minutes to eat as many hot dogs and buns as possible by hand, without utensils. Vomiting is an automatic disqualification. Ugh!