Hot Dog!
Author: PATRICK EVANS-HYLTON
Street food is fun food - there are no two ways about it. It's always great to come upon one of those shiny silver carts shaded by a big colorful umbrella and explore the walk-and-dine treats they have. Usually it is hot dogs or ice cream; sometimes there are other offerings like falafel, big soft pretzels or nachos loaded up with gooey, orangey cheese. Unfortunately, not all of us live in an urban area and run across those street vendors very often, but two of the classics can be combined to enjoy even in the 'burbs. Topped with our own tasty cheese sauce, our Dogchos combines that savory topping hot dogs, all sitting atop a bed of crisp tortilla chips. Other ingredients are optional; we like some diced tomatoes on ours. The best part is the cheese sauce - it is so tasty, not to mention quick and easy, you will be using it to top everything from broccoli to potatoes.
QUICK AND EASY ARE KEY WORDS This recipe comes together quickly and easily because so many of the ingredients are things many folks already have in their pantry. It is also a flexible recipe, because any kind of meat could be substituted for hot dogs, including pepperoni, ground beef - even chicken nuggets. Any sort of frank can be enjoyed too, including veggie, chicken or turkey dogs. Also, the spiciness of the cheese sauce can be altered by adding a little black pepper, cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes and stirring right in - it all depends on yours, and your kids, love of heat. More flexibility comes with the toppings. Put the tortilla chips on a bed of shredded lettuce, top the nachos with traditional ingredients like tomatoes and onions, or even try a squirt of ketchup.
RECIPE - Dogchos and Cheese Equipment You Need Saucepan Measuring cups Measuring spoons Small plates Wooden spoon Kitchen knife Ingredients You Need Hot dogs - prepared Tortilla chips - prepared 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup whole or reduced fat milk 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese What You Need To Do Adults should prepare hot dogs as they normally do and set aside. Adults can prepare homemade tortilla chips or use commercial tortilla chips and set aside. Kids can measure out butter, flour, salt, milk and cheese. In a saucepan, adults should melt the butter over medium heat and slowly add in flour and salt, stirring to prevent scorching and add the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture is thickened. Slowly add the cheese, also stirring constantly until add the cheese is added and the mixture is smooth. Kids can place a handful of chips onto a plate. Adults can spoon on cheese sauce. Adults can slice hot dogs and add to the top. Kids can add optional ingredients, like some hot peppers, diced tomatoes, sliced onion and the like. MORE OPTIONS If you'd like a recipe for homemade tortilla chips, email me: patrickevanshylton@gmail.com
Source: Tidewater Parent Magazine
