Hot Dog! (and the meaning of 'fortified nastiness')

Now it should be said that, before last night, I had never actually consumed a chili cheese dog. Treasonous I know, being an American and all (and a Texan at that), but, well, yuck. Consisting usually of overly processed, super soft, extra white non-bread, a weenie chocked full preservatives and nitrates, topped with mystery meat chili and 'American cheese', these things are pure fortified nastiness*. That is why, when I found a gourmet recipe for this edible piece of Americana, I was anxious to see if I could finally get on board. Our whole family LOVED them! With grilled pain au levin hot dog buns, organic all beef franks, bison chili, and raw milk cheddar, the chili cheese dog, an American favorite, has been redeemed.

Chili Cheese Dogs- Gourmet Style

for the chili:
extra-virgin olive oil
one onion, chopped
1 lb. ground bison (or BEST quality ground beef)
1 tsp. chili powder
1 cup ketchup (get some real deal organic ketchup, NOT the syrupy Heinz nastiness)
2 tsp. yellow mustard

pack of pain au levin hot dog buns, or other freshly made bun
pack of organic, preservative free franks
freshly grated raw milk cheddar, for sprinkling on top (Alta Dena is a GREAT brand... and please don't buy pre shredded cheese- it is coated with anti caking agents and mold inhibitors that affect taste, meltability, and mouthfeel)

Heat skillet on medium and add a two count of olive oil
Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes
Add ground beef and cook until nicely browned, about 10 minutes
Add chili powder, ketchup, and mustard and simmer until thickened, 10 to 15 minutes

Grill the hot dogs
Lightly drizzle or brush some olive oil on the inside of the buns, and grill to lightly toast

Assemble dogs and eat up!



* The Meaning Of Fortified Nastiness

Fortified Nastiness is a phrase I came up with several years ago, when trying to describe junk foods to my daughter. Nastiness was an adjective I would use frequently, but to give that little something extra, I added the word 'fortified' to depict all of the enriched, preserved and otherwise 'fortified' products available. :)