One Special Hotdog

Perhaps it was Fourth of July that started my craving . . . or maybe the cover of July’s Better Homes & Garden magazine shifting from counter to table to nightstand. Regardless of it’s source, I wanted a hotdog . . . badly! Not just any hotdog. I wanted One Special Hotdog. The one that tastes like heaven on a bun and fills me with happy nostalgia of my kids as young ones and a simple weekend treat.

Right at the peak of my memory-induced craving a got a call from my son, Alex. “Mom.” This has always been a staccato sentence in my son’s vocabulary – ending in different punctuation to deliver the desired statement.

“Mom. Do you remember those hotdogs we used to get in the Home Depot parking lot? Those were the best!”

I quietly smiled. It was like we were two birds of a feather, sitting on a wire, sending the same thought back and forth. “I sure do,” I answered.

My son is now grown and a trained chef/biology student so of course we discussed how to replicate this One Special Hotdog. Despite all our efforts, the exact formula eludes us both. Probably because he isn’t three-years-old and we’re not standing under the brightly-striped umbrella of a hotdog stand in a Home Depot parking lot.

Why Are Food Memories So Strong?

Okay, let’s get a little geeky just for a moment. Why are food memories so intense – even after decades of time? Well, according to psychologists, food memories are vividly stored in our minds because they involve all five of our senses.

The smell of the plump meaty hotdog and the sight of beads of fat and juices running down it’s skin. Steam swirling up from the cart, replicating the heat dancing off the asphalt. A soft squishy bun dotted with crunchy poppy seeds. Mustard yellow. Tomato Red. Pickle Green. Cicadas sing in the nearby trees while the Chicago-born vendor makes small talk. Metal lids clang and tongs clack. scht scht scht . . . the final touch, a shake of celery salt. Our mouths are watering.

A Food Memory ~ JoElle Butcher

Additionally, food-centered nostalgia is so strong because the context of the memory; where we were, and who we were with, blends with our activated senses to create a complete experience of being nourished and connected.

Basically, for a moment, all our human needs are completely and blissfully satisfied.

Replicating The One Special Hotdog

I know I will never successfully re-create that hotdog because it is more than the sum of it’s ingredients. But when that nostalgic craving comes – this is the hotdog I make.

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The Dog

I have yet to find a frankfurter that is EXACTLY like the One Special Hotdog but Vienna Beef Jumbo Beef Franks are pretty darn close. They stay nicely plump, even when grilled, have good texture and a great taste.

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The Bun

The bun is REALLY important. The One Special Hotdog had a bun with poppy seeds on it and the vendor kept them steamed in such a way that they were incredibly soft and warm but never wet. It truly was hotdog magic that can not be duplicated. So, I’ve come up with my own interpretation.

First, I don’t use regular hotdog buns. If I could buy the original Vienna poppy seed buns I would but since I can’t find them – anywhere, I use soft sandwich rolls. I cut a very skinny oval in the side of the bun and pull out some of it’s doughy middle, which I promptly eat. I’m careful not to cut through to the ends – this way, my hotdog doesn’t squish out the back when I take a bite. To melted better I add minced garlic and use a basting brush to give both the inside and outside of the bun a good slathering. Finally, I double wrap the buns with foil and put them on the upper rack of the NON-heated side of the grill.

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The Toppings

I know everyone has their favorite hotdog toppings but for this dog I use catsup, mustard, diced white onion, fresh tomato wedges and either a dill pickle spear or banana peppers. There is great regional debate over the catsup. Chicagoans so a big NO to the red sauce; the thinking being you’ve got tomatoes, what do ya need catsup for? Regardless I always had the hotdog vendor put catsup on mine, even though it probably pained him so. The final ingredient, and this comes directly from The Special Hotdog vendor himself is celery salt. A little shake of the stuff over the entire dog and you’re good to go.

ENJOY!

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You know, most of the time I eat healthy and yes, I’ve heard all the horror stories about what’s in a hotdog. I don’t care. A couple times a year won’t kill me and it is worth every bit of unhealthiness to close my eyes and re-live that One Special Hotdog. In my mind’s eye I feel the Arizona heat, hear the cicadas and see the smiles of complete contentment on my kid’s faces.

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Thanks for joining me on this trip down a tasty memory lane. I love these precious memories and the wonderful food that comes with it. Did this post make you hungry for a hotdog? Well, don’t forget the potato salad ~ this is my FAVORITE RECIPE. Looking for Celery Salt? Add it to your order from Savory Spice Shop. Click on this coupon code: AF-FREESHIPJULY, to receive free shipping on orders of $20 or more.

Do you have a favorite food memory? Please share it in the comment section below. You can even attach a picture if you like. I know we all would love to hear about it. Well I’m off to cook tonight’s dinner – another favorite Green Chili Casserole

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