The hot dog is much, much more than a backyard barbecue staple — it is a quintessential American icon that has become a symbol of American patriotism.
The humble handheld repast is a beloved food that brings people together. Hot dogs have been embraced by baseball fans at ballparks across the country, Americans celebrating with backyard cookouts, prestigious presidents, and competitive eaters on the Fourth of July.
‘A hot dog at the game beats roast beef at the Ritz.’
The term “hot dog” may have been coined in April 1901 at the New York Polo Grounds because of their dachshund-like shape, according to some historians. However, the hot dog has many names, including weenie, wiener, glizzy, snappy boy, Coney, dirty water dog, and frank. No matter what you call a hot dog, it is always a delicious bite of pure Americana.
German immigrants brought their beloved “frankfurters” — named after Frankfurt, Germany — to the United States in the 1800s, introducing Americans to the sausage-style snack that would soon become a national favorite.
Whether topped with mustard, ketchup, relish, sauerkraut, chili, or Chicago-style with onions, tomatoes, pickles, and a dash of celery salt, the…
Read the full article here