Okay. Okay, we know we are taking liberties with the “dog days of summer” meaning, but just stick with us! The origins of the “dog days of summer” come from ancient times when the night sky wasn’t obscured by lighting and people could “draw” images in the sky in the stars.
Different cultures “drew” different photos in the stars. Some cultures saw twins (Gemini), a bull (Taurus), bears (Ursa Major and Ursa Minor) and dogs (Canis Major and Canis Minor). The brighest star, Sirius, is a dog in the Canis Major constellation grouping and early Romans believed the earth received heat from that star. During late July and early August, ancient astronomers believed the stars added to the heat of the sun and created hot, humid weather — the dog days of summer.
When the “Dog Days” settle in, you don’t want to be indoors cooking dinner, do you? Of course not! That is why our hot dog grilling ideas are delicious and will keep you out of the hot house. Enjoying a cookout poolside is a great way to beat the heat and humidity and grab a quick bite. Hot dogs also cook quickly and that means the grill master in your home won’t have to be missing out on the fun because he or she is stuck behind the grill.
Hot Dogs On The Grill For The ‘Dog’ Days Of Summer
What is a hot dog, or hotdog and where did it originate? A hot dog, also called a frankfurter, dog, weiner or sausage was thought to have been imported from Germany and popularized in the United States. It was considered a working-class street food and could be purchased from hot dog carts or hot dog stands. There were grilled hot dogs available at the stands or boiled hot dogs (steamers) depending on the area of the country you lived in.
Hot dogs became a staple at American baseball stadiums and are garnished different ways in different regions of the country. The hot dog became ubiquitous across the United States in the 20th century and is still going strong as a cultural cuisine.
Chicago style hot dog
This hot dog is definitely not one you will see covered in ketchup! To enjoy a Chicago style hot dog you must use only all beef hot dogs and a steamed poppy seed roll.
Chicago style hot dogs are boiled for five minutes. The roll is placed in a steamer basket in the water the hot dog was just removed from and steamed until warm.
Once the dog and the bun are ready the dog is placed on the bun and the toppings must be placed on it — in this order — to be authentic.
- Yellow mustard
- Sweet green pickle relish
- Onion
- Tomato wedges – the tomatoes must be between the hot dog and the top of the bun
- A pickle spear – the pickle needs to be between the hot dog and the bottom of the bun
- Peppers
- Celery salt
Remember, no ketchup!
Banh Mi Dog
Cook your beef hot dog, add spicy mayo, sliced cucumber, shredded carrot and a garnish of fresh mint leaves onto your favorite style hot dog bun.
Steak house dog
Grab your favorite hot dog and bun, grill them up. Add tomatoes, grilled onion and steak sauce.
Peach salsa dog
Grill your favorite hot dog. Put the hot dog in a bun, top with chopped fresh peaches and a chopped jalapeno pepper. Spicy and delicious!
Guacamole dog
Place your grilled dog on a grilled bun. Top with freshly made guac, tomato salsa and a garnish of fresh cilantro.
Chili dog
Take your favorite grilled hot dog, place in a hot dog bun and top with your favorite chili, sprinkle shredded cheese and raw onions!
Cubano dog
For a unique twist on a Cubano sandwich take your grilled hot dog and place it atop a roll filled with a slice of swiss cheese, a slice of ham, pickles and spicy mustard.
The all American dog
Grill up your favorite hot dog — beef, chicken or even veggie — place it atop a grilled hot dog bun. Top with ketchup, mustard, relish and onions and enjoy!