Dog Show Hot Dogs

I love watching the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. We cheer for the Pomeranian, who actually won Best of Show one year. This year's Pom was cute and foofy, but he was beat out by the Pug in the Toy Group. Of course our little Pom, Nikk is much cuter, even at the ripe old age of 16! Well, the Dog Show this year had the misfortune to be scheduled right in the middle of a snowstorm in NYC and the Winter Olympics, but the dog lovers didn't care. Madison Square Garden looked packed with people cheering for their favorites as the dogs were paraded in front of the judges.

Having also been long-time fans of our local brand of Farmer John hot dogs, it seemed like the perfect choice for watching the Dog Show. Well, we recently tried Nathan's and I am sorry to report, we have jumped ship. Nathan's are delicious, great flavor, meaty and they grill up nicely. Ralphs has them on sale 2 pkgs. for $7 bucks. What, $3.50 for a package of weenies! Calmate, and say adios to Farmer John, and bienvenidos to Nathan---at least till Opening Day at Dodger Stadium.

DOG SHOW HOT DOGS
One package Nathan's Hot Dogs
One package Roman Meal Wheat Hot Dog Buns*
Ralphs Dijon Mustard
Heinz Hamburger Pickle Chips
2 ripe tomatoes, diced
4 pepperoncini, thinly sliced, stems removed
1/4 cup diced onion
unsalted butter
*(If your store doesn't carry Roman Meal, select any other top of the line bun, these dogs deserve the best.)
Prepare the pickle chips, tomatoes, onion, and pepperoncini and place in separate bowls or on a condiment tray. Toast the buns in a toaster oven or on a dry skillet till lightly browned. Set aside. Heat a 10-inch skillet on medium, then melt about 1 - 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Do not burninate, you aren't making beurre noisette. Cut open the package and immediately add Nathan's hot dogs, along with the juices, and cook on each side till lightly browned, turning once or twice. Remove from heat and set aside. Invite your guests to assemble their own hot dogs, or if you must, place each hot dog in a toasted bun, add the pickles, tomatoes, onion, pepperoncini, dijon and serve them. Serves 4 - 6.
Note: If you have any leftover hot dogs as a result of not enough buns, save them for weenies con papas y huevos, another family favorite!