Iti’s National Hot Dog Day! The third Wednesday in July is always National Hot Dog Day and I have some Truths, Tidbits and Tricks and even a recipe for you this National Hot Dog Day!

Truths

Hot dogs were once royalty as they were served at imperial coronations. Invented in Germany where they were called Frankfurter Wurstchen which means little sausage, hot dogs have been around since the 1400s.

Texas brought us corn dogs in 1942 which are simply hot dogs coated and fried in a corn breading but now a staple in every county fair, country store and gas station hot tray.

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Americans eat approximately 7 billion hot dogs.

The average American eats 70 hot dogs a year and I am part of that average American group, for sure.

Tidbits

We consume $2 billion dollars’ worth of the American favorite each year, regardless of the health warnings to abstain.

There are supposedly healthier versions available: turkey, chicken, tofu, organic, vegan and even salmon hot dogs. Although to me, chili, sauerkraut or slaw on salmon doesn’t quite have the same appeal.

If you don’t like the toppings I listed, know that mustard is the #1 topping with ketchup coming up second.

The Hot Dog Council says it should take you 5 bites to finish one hot dog. For a foot-long treat, 7 bites should do it.

Tricks

Hot dog buns come in packs of 8, and hot dogs come in packs of 10, right? Do you think it is a trick to have us buy a second pack of buns to accommodate all 10 hot dogs?

Maybe, but it wasn’t a trick in the beginning. The reason is simple. Hot dog buns are baked in pans of 4, so bakers slide two pans’ worth of buns into the bags and in the old days hot dogs were ordered loose from the butcher and not bought in packs of 10.

One of the most popular dishes made with hot dogs is a family favorite: Beanie Weenies!

Here’s my recipe (my mom’s actually)

Ingredients:

1 can (28 oz.) baked beans ( I always use Bush’s orignal)

10 hot dogs sliced (Food City has on sale)

1 medium yellow onion, diced

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

¼ cup ketchup

1 tablespoon mustard

Directions:
Spray a small amount of cooking spray info a medium-sized frying pan over medium heat. Sauté onions and hot dogs until onions are softened and hot dog slices are slightly browned. Put in casserole dish. Stir in beans and rest of ingredients. Top with sliced bacon. Bake in 375 degrees until bacon is done.

Enjoy National Hot Dog Day!