Dogs, Dogs, Dogs

 Yes I know it's baseball season, yet again.  The reason I know this so well is my apartment is directly around the corner from Dodgers Stadium.  In a sea of blue Dodgers shirts & hats I sat stuck in traffic a mere 2 blocks from my apartment. I started thinking about what makes sporting events fun for people who don't necessarily enjoy the main event & obviously, it's booze and food.  That brings me to the elusive Dodger Dog.  Such an event is this hot dog that it has its own Yelp page!! One little hot dog has its very own star rated review page! I find this hilarious so naturally I grabbed some tickets & some girlfriends and walked on over for my first Dodger Dog.
 Ok, so its basically a hot dog with whatever toppings you decide to throw on top. Eh. Most of the Dodger Dogs positive yelp reviews were based on fun childhood memories rather than the quality of taste. I completely understand as I grew up with dirty water hot dogs off of a cart in the middle of Manhattan.  Where ever you currently live the love of a hot dog most likely comes from a fabulous backyard BBQ childhood memory.  It's so American of us, hot dogs & beer.  My grown up hot dog has some fun twists & will definitely turn some heads at your next BBQ.

The Ditch Dog
package of any beef, turkey or veggie hot dogs
package of any hot dog buns
an onion
ketchup
chipotle peppers in Adobo sauce
prepared Mac n Cheese (homemade or boxed)
lot's of butter
a bottle of red wine (for cooking & drinking while cooking)
deep pot filled with oil

Caramelizing your onions will take the longest.  My signature caramelized onions are cooked down with a ton of butter and 1/2 a bottle of red wine.  This brings out an incredible taste to any sandwich or burger.  Cook this down in a pan on medium heat, keeping your eye not to burn them (1/2 hour-45 minutes).  In a blender or food processor mix ketchup and peppers together starting with a small amount of chipotle & keep tasting until you've reached your spice level. Have your Mac n Cheese warmed and ready to go - I always make mine from scratch and the main cheese I use is Smoked Gouda- it adds an intense extra flavor.  When you notice your oil is hot, using tongs, drop your dogs very carefully into your pot.  Once the skin starts to crack and deepen in color your dogs are done.  Toast up some buns and start to assemble. Onions on the bottom, deep fried dog in the middle topped w/ chipotle ketchup & creamy Mac n Cheese!