We used to host an annual Food Contest sometime during the Fourth of July weekend (or week.) As the hosts and creators of the contest, we would pick a food theme and lay down the rules. We’ve had pizza parties, burger parties, crab parties and bacon parties. Just to name a few. For some reason, we got out of the habit of hosting. Maybe it’s because it had gotten too big or maybe it’s because as a family we couldn’t agree on a theme.
Hypothetically speaking, if I were in charge, I would love to host a Dog (hot dog, kielbasa, or sausage) Party and let our guests create some award winning dishes. Do a quick search on Pinterest and you will find lots of inspiration. You will find thousands upon thousands (or at the very least, hundreds upon hundreds) of creative “hot dog” pictures. Some topped with macaroni and cheese, some topped with peaches and burrata.
Johnnies carries a few items that would be acceptable for such a party. My favorite being their Black Angus dogs. But they also carry an assortment of “regular” hot dogs and a variety of Kunzler sausages.
They also stock my favorite type of roll, Martin’s Potato Dog Rolls.
For my “food party for one”, I presented 3 masterpieces. Without further ado, I present my creations.
One of the rules for our annual contest was that you also had to name your creation.
From left to right……
- The Sloppy Dog (Hot Dog or Sausage topped with Sloppy Joe)
- The Safe Bet (Hot Dog or Sausage with Mustard….boring)
- The Peppered Dog (Hot Dog or Sausage with Sautéed Peppers)
Sausage, Hot Dogs, Black Angus Dogs or Kielbasa
Sauteed Bell Peppers for the Peppered Dog
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers; sauté 3 minutes or until the peppers start to become tender. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high. Stir in vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; cook 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Serve bell pepper mixture over Sausage. These peppers are equally delightful on chicken or turkey sandwiches.
*Johnnies carries frozen roasted peppers and onions. If you want to skip this step, buy the frozen, already roasted bag.
Sloppy Joe Mix for the Sloppy Sausage
- 1 lb. Ground Beef
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 2 Tablespoons Distilled White Vinegar
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
Brown the ground beef and drain. Add the ketchup, vinegar and brown sugar. Allow to simmer for 30 minutes and adjust the seasonings (add more ketchup, vinegar or brown sugar) if necessary. Serve the sloppy Joe mix on top of your sausage or dog. Obviously it’s just as good served on a roll.
Gather your dogs (or sausages). Gather your toppings. (You can get really creative with the toppings. Add in something you love, like bacon or jalapeños.). Gather your rolls, Martins for me every time.
If you’re making it a competition, have your guests vote for their favorites. It’s always interesting to see what people create. Sometimes it’s terrible, but most of the time it’s surprisingly good.
*To the best of my ability, I have tried to indicate all ingredients, products and equipment that are available at Johnnies in Bold Print.
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