How to Make the Best Hot Dogs

Hot dogs! Hot dogs! Get your hot dogs!

Did you know July is National Hot Dog month? Yup, it is. But hot dogs aren't just a great summer treat; they're terrific anytime of the year. They go by many names-wieners, red hots, frankfurters or just plain frank-and they can be doused with chili, smothered in sauerkraut or made into an epicurean delight. While all these taste good, the original Coney Island dog is still the hands down favorite. So what are you waiting for... isn't it time to learn how to make the best hot dogs in the world?

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Good quality all beef hot dogs
• Buns
• Yellow mustard (not Dijon)
• Hot dog toppings like chopped onion, sweet relish, tomato slices, kosher dill pickles and hot peppers (like pepperoncinis)

1. Use the best quality hot dogs. Original franks used for Coney Island Dogs are spicier than run-of-the-mill frankfurters. Try to find a market that sells an old fashioned, all-beef variety hot dogs. Good second choices are Nathans or Hebrew National brand franks.

2. Find good hot dog buns, too. Some people swear by a poppy seed roll, but traditionalists stick with plain white (but good quality) buns.

3. Fire up the grill. Back in 1894, Nathan Handwerker, the man credited with making hot dogs famous, slapped his dogs on the grill. Just make sure you don't char these wieners.

4. Steam the hot dog buns. The easiest way is to wrap the buns in aluminum foil and add to the grill for a couple minutes before the franks are finished.

5. Placed a grilled hot dog onto a bun. Squirt on as much yellow mustard as you like.

6. Add hot dog toppings... if you must. Other traditional choices include any of the following: chopped onion, sweet relish, tomato slices, kosher dill pickles and hot peppers, like a pepperoncinis.

7. Enjoy! These dogs are as good as any you would find at a hot dog stand on Coney Island.

Tips & Warnings

• There's various hot dogs that go by the name of Coney Island dogs, but most use some version of chili sauce and condiments. While this variety is good, a purist will tell you these are not the Coney Island originals.

• According to hot dog purist, ketchup is a no-no.