Chicago Style Hot Dog

A hot dog?  Really?!  Yup, this self proclaimed food snob (my husband and friends who really know me would also proclaim) loves a good Chicago style hot dog.  Maybe because there is so much going on you kinda forget what you are eating.  Maybe because it's just good.

Here are a couple of tips~ buy a good quality hot dog (not an awesome place to try to save a penny), celery salt is a must, sport peppers or go home, yes pickle relish and pickle spear, and don't even think about putting ketchup on it.  Seriously, don't go there.  I have met people who insist if you don't have all the ingredients, you can't call it a Chicago dog.  They can get pretty worked up about it, I think that's cool.  I don't get insane about a hot dog, but if you make my Chicken Tortilla Soup and don't use all the garnishes, I will get a little cranky.  My husband definitely knows to squeeze his lime.  ;)

When something is simple I think it's really important to buy the best quality ingredients you can afford.  I always think that, no matter what you are preparing.
I'm just sayin'...

Many places will boil or steam the hot dog.  I prefer the grill and it's always got to be well done for me.  I love the places where you can order a char~dog!  That makes me happy.  Ah, it's the simple things in life!

To make one Chicago Dog~

good quality hot dog~ I like Vienna Beef franks.  It says right on the label "Chicago's Hot Dog" :) Use what you like.
poppy seed bun
plain old yellow mustard
pickle relish
pickle spear
a couple slices of cucumber
a couple slices of tomato
diced onion~ I use white, sometimes red.
sport peppers
celery salt~ load it up.

Prepare hot dog the way you like.  Add ingredients and enjoy!