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Check out this colorful image of the New York hot dog making process.
Page 1
Introduction To The Hot Dog
Page 2
Where It All Began
Name that doggy
Page 3
What's Inside Your Weiner
Americans And Their Dogs
Page 4
Hot Dog Links
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What's Inside Your Weiner
Okay, we admit it. Maybe it is best for you to not know exactly what can be legally found inside your wiener. But think about it. Have you ever really bitten a hot dog and was repulsed by some type of foreign matter? If you are one of the unlucky few, then you have our permission to stop reading this. For the rest of you, here's a basic hot dog primer.
Most hot dogs begin with ground meat trimmings not the so-called by-products, whatever that is. Go to your local butcher. All those little pieces of meat that he trims off, are the perfect hot dog material. There's nothing to be afraid of. Trust us, the government does watch this stuff very carefully. Really. The Department of Agriculture regulates every step of the hot dog process.
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| People have been eating hot dogs since before there was color. |
After these trimmings are ground up they are combined with the requisite spices, ice chips to keep the mixture very cold, and curing ingredients. Notice that rat hair is not part of the recipe. From here, the mixture is pumped into casings. Most hot dogs today use a celluloid casing which is removed later on in the process. If a particular company uses a natural casing like sheep's intestine, it is left on the hot dog and the price is usually a bit higher. Both casing types are fine. There really isn't a big difference as far as we can tell. When the casings are stuffed, they are taken to a smoke house to cook fully and maximize their flavor. This step should also kill most bacteria, making hot dogs a perfectly safe sausage.
If you are afraid of fatty foods--you must be at the wrong website--there are many brands of hot dogs that ring in at less than 100 calories and 4 grams of fat. They are actually tasty, if not preferable. There is really no excuse to not eat hot dogs. Even vegetarians can find a hot dog that will satisfy their dietary whinings. So eat them. Everyone else is.
Americans And Their Dogs
Americans ate 20 billion hot dogs in 1999. Seven billion of those critters were consumed in the three month window between Memorial day and Labor day. July is now officially named hot dog month and 75% of all hot dog consumption occurs in that month alone. There are statistics for everything apparently.
The last question that remains is, "What is the correct way to eat a hot dog?" On a paper plate with a paper napkin, with a beer--never wine. Also be careful as to what condiments you choose. Of course we at The Belly feel that if you like it use it, but there are guidelines put forth by the hot dog maniacs in this country. These maniacs say that the first thing that should get put on a bun is the dog. Never put the condiments between the bun and the meat, they say. Their condiment of choice is of course, mustard. Ketchup is acceptable if you are below 18 years of age or openly gay. After the mustard you put on the chunky stuff like relish, then cheese then the spices like celery salt.
 It doesn't matter how you cook 'em. We are partial to grilled or roasted, like Homer's. But hot dogs taste just as good in water, or beer. God Bless America.
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Weiners, foot-longs, red-hots... we want to know where you're from and what you call 'em. Let us know in our forum ⇒
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