Ah yes! That ballpark treat! The fresh grilled hotdog rolling in the sand at the beach … or at the shore. Wherever or however, there is nothing better, IMNSHO, than a grilled hotdog or brat. I have two that I really like. But to be fair, all three of these types of hotdogs are good. Different flavors. Different textures. Different tastes. And the condiments that you might put on any one of these treats, will alter that flavor. Generally in a good direction.

And which one do I like best? It’s a mood thing. Or a beer thing. Which one will go better with a Stella and some fresh made baked beans. Maybe a little potato salad. At any rate, however you enjoy them and with your favorite side, Trader Joe’s came out this week with some really good information on the lowly dog in the article Condimenting The Dog. In the article, to be found in the link listed, regarding the somewhat surprising history of a condiment,
“Condiments, from the Latin condire (“to preserve, pickle, season”), have been a culinary tactic since Ancient times. They have been used both to preserve foods as well as to enhance flavors.
So compelling and powerful, condiment use has been a source of controversy in American cuisine. In the 19th Century, several attempts were made to ban condiments. No condiments? No kidding. Sylvester Graham (of graham cracker fame), published in his 1839 Lectures on the Science of Human Life that the applying condiments, including mustard, ketchup, and cinnamon, should be prohibited because they were “highly exciting and exhausting.” Is it just us, or does hearing this encourage some intense condimenting?! Yes!”

The article lists several kinds of condiment which are easily made and constructed from ingredients found at Trader Joe’s. Just place all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly and Voila! A condiment. For instance, they suggest,

“TROPICAL SWEETIE DOG:12 oz Mango Jicama Slaw and 12.5oz Island Salsa —suffuse with tropical sweetness, this dog has a very social personality. If you like it really sweet, pour on the Island Salsa; if you don’t, add salsa sparingly.
CHAAT DOG: 10oz Channa Masala, 10oz Palak Paneer and Diced Yellow Onion—savory Indian chick peas; upon savory Indian spinach and cheese; upon a robust, savory hot dog—this well spiced dog takes chaat (“savory snack”) to new heights!
RODEO DOG: 16oz Chunky Spicy Guacamole Auténtico, 13oz Cowboy Caviar and 16oz Organic White Corn Tortilla Chips — bucking with spicy, Southwestern-style flair, this dog makes you feel like strapping on spurs. Hold on tight!”

There are three suggestions from them. Use your imagination and culinary talents to find these products if you don’t have a Trader Joe’s in your area. Afterall, that’s part of the fun of summertime culinary adventures.