With a huge sigh, summer is winding down. Labor Day weekend is here and we are heading out for a fun cookout at my dad’s house, so we can enjoy our final days of summer. We’ll enjoy a cookout with s’mores for dessert, the kids riding their 4-wheelers and enjoying each others company before the kids head back to school on Tuesday.
Although, it is a weekend of fun and partying, we are honoring all of the working people. Many may head to their local Labor Day parade followed by a cookout. Today it is my job to bring my tuna macaroni salad, chicken and Ball Park Hot Dogs; the only brand we buy. Delicious, juicy and many flavors available, Ball Park will ensure your Labor Day party is filled with a delicious easy meal that is ready in minutes.
How To Grill Hot Dogs
I had no idea there were tricks to grilling the perfect hot dog. So to get that hot dog juicy and perfect follow these hot dog grilling tips.
-Don’t get stuck: Make sure to spray your grill with nonstick cooking spray before heating to prevent food from sticking and to ease clean-up
-Don’t lose the juice – Use tongs, rather than a fork to gently turn franks, and handle as little as possible. DEFINITELY DO NOT CUT THE HOT DOG. Also, avoid pushing down or overturning the meat or you will squeeze out the natural juices and flavor
-Skip the mess – When cooking grilled vegetables, like onions and green peppers, to top your Ball Park Frank, wrap them in foil to virtually eliminate the unappealing grill clean-up. Foil can easily be tossed out, taking any mess with it
-Get the “smoky” flavor – If you prefer your grilled meats to have a smoky taste, keep the grill covered while cooking
-Don’t overcook – Avoid this by leaving a space that isn’t being heated so you can move your Ball Park Franks to this location in case you have a flare-up or need to prevent overcooking while you run back into the house
-Get ready to dress the dog – Have lots of fun toppings ready for your guests to use to top the hot dog – everything from the traditional mustard and ketchup to grilled veggies, chili & cheese or even sour cream
With dressing the dog, create a fun hot dog topping bar so everyone can choose their favorite toppings. Place the toppings in red, white and blue dishes, to make it festive. Also how about making your Labor Day complete with stars and stripes dogs or a red, white and blue dogs.
Creative Hot Dog Topping Recipes
Ball Park’s Stars and Stripes Dog
Ingredients
1 Ball Park Angus Beef Franks; grilled*
1 Ball Park hot dog bun; steamed
½ cup cooked red rice
2 tablespoons Spicy salsa
2 tablespoons Sour cream
1 tablespoon White onions; diced
1 tablespoon Blue corn chips; crushed
Method
1. In a small bowl, mix together red rice and salsa
2. Place hot dog in bun and top with rice mixture
3. Sprinkle onions over the top
4. Dollop the sour cream on top
5. Sprinkle with blue corn chips
Ball Park’s Red, White and Blue Dog
Ingredients
1 Ball Park Angus Beef Frank; grilled**
1 Ball Park hot dog bun; steamed
Blueberry Chutney (recipe below)
½ an onion chopped
Cherry Tomato salsa to taste
Blueberry Chutney
Ingredients
1 cup Frozen blueberries
½ cup Fresh blueberries
2 tablespoons Vidalia onions; minced
2 tablespoons Brown sugar
1 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Cornstarch
1 tablespoon Water
½ teaspoon Lemon juice
¼ teaspoon Ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon Salt
Method
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch into water until fully dissolved
-In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine all ingredients, except cornstarch mixture, and bring to a boil
-Boil for approximately 1-2 minutes and then reduce heat to medium-low
-Stir in cornstarch
-Simmer for one minute and then remove from heat
-Let cool completely before serving
I have bought our Angus Beef Franks and am going to prepare the stars and stripes dogs today out at my dad’s, I’m super excited to try something a little different. If you watch your caloric intake you can substitute with Ball Park’s Angus Lower Fat-Full Taste Franks or Ball Park Smoked White Turkey Hot Dogs. The turkey dogs contain only 45 calories and are 100% fat free!
Will you be grilling out? I’d love for you to tell me your must-have hot dog topping! For me, I must have lots of onions, ketchup, mustard and a toasted roll! Have a safe and wonderful Labor Day weekend, enjoy your extra day off!
To learn more about all the products Ball Park carry visit www.ballparkbrand.com and find BallParkFranks on Facebook
Ketchup is my hot dog topping
Mustard and onions!
myangelboys@msn.com
sauerkraut!
mustard and pickles!