du b l i n d i s h es by Maisie Fitzmaurice Photo courtesy of Saddleberk and Weenie Wonder
Hot Dog Heaven
Handheld and versatile, hot dogs are perfect for your backyard barbecue rived from “dachshund sausages,” which were sold in New York during the 1860s by a German immigrant. Since then, hot dogs and sausage varieties have been made and sold by butchers across America. And vendors in Dublin are no exception. Local sausage curator Saddleberk creates artisan sausages and bratwursts from Berkshire pork. Brats and hot dogs aren’t just a tasty summer meal, however; co-owner Dave Rigo says they’re also an optimal meal for any host, as While the origin of hot dogs may trace they’re quick and easy to grill to any number of sausage varieties from to perfection. Europe, the frankfurter sausage origi“As COVID subsides a nally came from Germany in 1487. The little bit more, people are name “hot dog” is speculated to be de- getting back together, especially in the spring and summertime,” he says. “(With hot dogs or sausages) you can feed a whole lot of people and not have a huge time investment in it.” Looking for inspiration? Weenie Wonder’s Chi-town When grilling hot dog packs a creative punch. dogs and bratwursts, Adam Caplan, assistant manager and Rigo recommends using a meat thermometer to get the right tem- creative chef at Weenie Wonder in Dubperature and best cook. He also lin, says there’s no wrong way to make a recommends setting the grill at a hot dog. Besides the go-to toppings of low heat initially then slowly in- ketchup, mustard and relish, Weenie creasing the temperature in order Wonder has used cheese, unique sauces, to prevent charring and drying of ranch Doritos, pickles and peppers to top the meat. Unless, of course, you off their dogs. Chili or bacon can add extra flair and flavor. prefer your dogs crispy. “The only limitations are your imaginaOnce you’ve grilled your hot dog to your liking, it’s time to add tion and what you put on yourself,” CaPick up high-end sausages from Saddleberk to make an easy meal even more delicious. plan says. your toppings.
One of the most popular foods in America, hot dogs are a staple for grill outs across the country. The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council – yes, this is a thing – estimates that Americans consume 20 billion hot dogs a year, and hot dogs are served in nearly 95 percent of households in the U.S. It also estimates that Americans eat 150 million hot dogs on the Fourth of July alone.
36 • June/July 2022
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