From My Recipe Box to Yours: International "Gourmet" Hot Dogs

Background info: I found these while reading Food Network magazine, and I thought they were a great idea for several reasons. One, with limited cookware, hot dogs are something I can make. I don't normally go for hot dogs, but with these choices, I couldn't resist trying a few. (Nothing like fancying up your hot dogs so you don't feel quite so poor ;) ). Two, these will make great add-ons for BBQs with friends and family. Because there are so few ingredients, and a lot you would have at home, you could offer two or more types and people can vary! It's awesome. And three, I know most (if not all) of you aren't parents, this might come in handy one day. Most children I know have limited palates, so you might find yourself cooking lots and lots of hot dogs. This is a great way to vary it up! Children can get the classic ketchup and relish, you can get whatever nationality you want! And again, might I add that this is cheap?

Health Benefits of Hot Dogs: Well, there certainly aren't many, but if you spend a little bit more money, you can buy all-natural hot dogs. At least go for a brand that has less salt in it. And as always, go with whole-wheat buns! I don't think they cost any extra, and they are so much better you. And you can't really tell the difference. Especially if you toast them first.

Ok, on to the hot dogs: (No set directions, really, just top and eat!)

Greek: tzatziki, cucumber, kalamata olives

Korean: Asian mustard, kimchi, red onion

Swedish: lingonberry jam, caramelized onions, gravy

German (bet you can't guess what goes on this one!): German mustard, sauerkraut, pretzels

Mexican: chipotle mayonnaise, cotija cheese, avacado

Polynesian: hoisin sauce, pineapple, scallions

Spanish: pimiento cheese spread, serrano ham, manchego cheese

Thai: peanut sauce, carrot, cilantro

American: barbecue sauce, pulled pork, coleslaw

Japanese: wasabi mayonnaise, Asian snack mix, pickled ginger

Cook's Note:

-Matt and I have, so far, tried the Mexican and Thai versions. Both delicious!

-If you don't have cotija cheese, use feta. I know feta is Greek, but they are basically the same thing. And if you already have some in your fridge, why spend the extra money?

-So WalMart in Mississippi doesn't have peanut sauce. So I substituted sweet and sour sauce for the peanut sauce and it was delicious! Can't wait to try it with peanut sauce

-So WalMart was out of canned chipotles, so what I did instead was chop up some canned jalapenos and mix it (with some of the juice) with 1/2 c sour cream, 1/2 clove garlic, and seasoned it with salt. Again, really yummy! Next time I will have to make it with the chipotles to compare! Also, try substituting out the chipotle mayo for salsa (preferably pico de gallo), I bet it would taste amazing as well!

-And lastly, invent your own international hot dog! Maybe come up with an Indian, Chinese, Italian, or Polish version! Cooking is fun! And I bet your guests would enjoy these variations the next you BBQ! (My Italian version would be basil, chopped tomatoes, and shredded mozarella, what would yours be???)