Hot Dogs, Hamburgers and Fries
The perfect combination for an afternoon of fun or an evening gathering of friends is hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill with a side of home made fries. Easy, tasty and inexpensive, these fast foods are manageable for just about any chef. Whether you have spent years perfecting your flipping technique or know the best way to give hot dogs your signature flavor, there are few people who can resist the smell of these foods cooking. Another favorite location to enjoy these American classics is on the fairway of a local carnival. No matter what you prefer with your dog or burger, you are bound to find that and other regional options at the carnival. Corn dogs, a hot dog dipped in a thick corn batter, were invented at carnivals as an easy way to eat hot dog and bun on a stick. Carnivals are an absolute Mecca of fried foods, so you are sure to find steaming hot French fries. Somehow, food eaten outside just tastes better.
HAMBURGERS
Hamburgers have a long and somewhat twisted history. Starting back in Egypt and traveling through Asia with the Huns, the patty makes it to Germany in the 1600s. It came across the Atlantic in the 18th century just in time for a picnic in someone’s back yard. Hamburgers today are normally beef patties, but you can get them in turkey, chicken and even tofu. Served on a bun with the condiments of your choice, piled high with lettuce and a slab of a perfectly ripe tomato, this summertime treat is almost an institution. Some prefer their burgers large and meaty, others like small, thin patties. If you want to keep the center of your burger rare, while still cooking it with the rest of the patties, stick a small piece of ice in the center. There are no rules on how to make your burger or what to put in and on it, other than personal taste.
HOT DOGS
Hot dogs have a shorter history than the Hamburger, but also came to America via Germany. Initially called dachshunds after the little dogs that they so resembled, the name changed over a number of years to dogs. Likely popularized at Yale University as hand held foods they acquired their buns in the early 1900s. Hot dogs can be grilled, boiled, fried or cut up and added to any number of dishes. One of the best ways to cook hot dogs is in a bath. Cooks go to great lengths to protect the secret of their particular bath. Basically, the idea is to cook the dogs, brats or what have you in a liquid that will impart even more flavorful goodness to your meat. Beer and fried onions are a popular combination, but a little experimentation will help you come up with something uniquely yours. A favorite especially with children, the hot dog is as American as apple pie.
FRENCH FRIES
With the help of the fast food industry most people can’t imagine a hamburger without a side of French fries. These tasty little treats took a long time to catch on. The potato itself was immensely unpopular when it arrived in Europe. No one would agree to touch it and it wasn’t until a Frenchman, one Parmantier, used some clever marketing that the tuber took off. Not surprisingly it wasn’t much longer before someone figured out how wonderful potatoes were when deep fried. Today most French fries are made in fast food restaurants or from bags of pre-made fries in the freezer section of the supermarket. They are easy to make at home though if you remember to do a two staged fry and use hot oil that you change often. Although it is difficult to imagine making French fries at a picnic, hamburgers and hot dogs travel well, cook easily and are universally popular. Even your favorite vegetarian can be accommodated by a veggie burger or dog. Tuck a few popular condiments in your cooler, add a side of beans and coleslaw and you have a perfect picnic waiting to happen. This kind of informal get together is a perfect way to spend your summer afternoons. Whether at the carnival, the county fair or your own back yard, hamburgers, hot dogs and French fries are a perfect base for a summertime menu. Add a few cans of soda and beer, some side dishes and some entertainment and you have it made.