My family likes to cook more complex kinds of meals like homemade lasagna, chicken saltimboca, penne al vodka, etc. for parties and gatherings, but they are also always up for a basic barbecue of hamburgers and hot dogs.  We are somewhat flexible on the hamburger recipes that we use, but the one thing for which there will be no compromise is the type of hot dog used.  The only type that they will eat is *Thumann's Pork and Beef Hot Dogs*.  *Thumann's Hot Dogs* are specialty hot dogs that used to be available only from independent delis and retailers, but these days you can easily find them in the local grocery store. (at least around here) There are several different varieties but my family is hooked on the *Pork and Beef Hot Dogs in Natural Casings*.  They aren't health food at 240 calories, 21 grams of fat, and 720 milligrams of sodium each, but everyone enjoys eating them as a splurge when we get together for holidays or concert tailgating.  We cook these *Thumann's Hot Dogs* year-round and almost always on the grill.  The natural casings get nice and crispy and dark as they cook over the heat.  We do occasionally use them to make "dirty water dogs" in a crock-pot filled with beer and sauerkraut, usually during football season.  In a pinch, my husband has simply boiled them when he was starving and wanting a super-fast meal.  I've read that some people fry them, but I don't know anyone who has ever done that.  The only negative thing I can say about these hot dogs is that they seem to always split no matter how fast/slow/hot/cool we cook them.  It isn't a great presentation but it doesn't affect the flavor so no one seems to mind. My entire family is hooked on *Thumann's Pork and Beef Hot Dogs* and they simply won't eat any other kind.  They are full of flavor and easy to find at the local grocery store.  Of course I will be buying these again in the future! Highly recommended!

njchicaa

New Jersey, NJ