Sunday, July 21, 2013

Take your BBQ up a notch


For the Fourth of July, we tried these saucy hot dogs, from Our Best Bites. They got rave reviews from everyone. It's fun to take something traditional and simple and give it a twist. I made the sauce in advance and refrigerated it. When dinnertime came, I reheated the sauce to serve over freshly grilled hot dogs. Sprinkle cheese on the finished product, if desired, or melt some cheese onto a toasted bun.

Despite all the positive reviews, I have to express one drawback. I couldn't really taste the bacon, so I was disappointed to have the extra fat content. I'm interested to see what would happen if I left it out and used a little canola oil to saute the onion. If I ever do that, I'll let you know. It might take away depth of flavor.

THE RECIPE:

3 slices bacon
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 12-ounce bottle chili sauce *
1/4 c. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. yellow mustard
1 1/2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 c. apple juice

In a large skillet, fry bacon until crisp. Drain bacon on paper towel. Add onion to bacon drippings and saute until tender, adding garlic a couple of minutes into it. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Crumble bacon and stir into mixture. Cook a few minutes, or until desired consistency is reached. Makes enough for about 10 hot dogs.

*Such as Heinz, Homade, or store brand, found near the ketchup and BBQ sauce -- not Asian chili sauce.

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