The Antithesis of Elegance

JB

In my 6 months of egg ownership and subsequent involvement here, I've been continually impressed, often amazed, at the talent and artistry of the cooking displayed by the folks who frequent this forum. The recent postings of Holiday meals are the perfect example. The rib roasts, crown roasts, beef wellingtons, hams, lobsters and more were beautiful, elegant meals prepared to perfection.

My cook tonight was driven by three things: 1) that balance must be restored to the universe, and this forum, through the posting of an inelegant meal, 2) to satisfy a craving I've had since seeing a recent post here, and 3) the time was right to capitalize on the opportunity to enjoy this meal.

I'm speaking, of course, about Chili Dogs. What could be more inelegant? Since RRP's recent post of his Pearl chili dogs, I've had the craving. My wife is visiting her sister tonight and although she likes a good chili dog from time time, they never seem to like her very well. So here it is:

They're not Pearls, but Nathan's 1/4 pounders aren't too shabby. Martins Hoagie rolls are always the perfect size for large dogs, polish sausages, brats, etc.


Setup was CI grid on fire ring, adjustable rig sitting on that, regular grid on top. A simple hot dog chili started with onions and garlic in a CI skillet on the raised grid.


Added ground beef, seasoned with kosher salt and DP Cowlick.


Next, a can of Dei Fratelli crushed tomatoes, salt. pepper, chili powder and cumin.


Then the franks went on underneath the chili on the CI grid.


Removed chili, toasted buns above the dogs


Perfect fit


Not one to be totally devoid of elegance, note these were served on a real plate (not paper), white tablecloth, and I even poured my beer in a glass!


A little mustard, relish, chili and extra sharp "aged reserve" white cheddar. It's Cracker Barrel cheese I bought at Publix for 4 bucks so not quite sure for whom it is "reserved", but it served it's purpose well.


A Happy and Prosperous New Year to All!

Jeff

texasAUtiger

Dang, you made me hungry. I love a good, grilled dog!

ChefAl

Good job Jeff... it may not be elegant, but it is still making me HUNGRY!

:laugh:

Hoss

AS GOOD AS IT GETS!!!YUMMEE!!! :woohoo:

JB

Me too, and it's been a long time since I had a good ol' chili dog.

JB

Thanks Al, just havin some fun.

JB

Hoss- they were good. Took me 4 or 5 beers to get through that cook, which I think made them even better. :P

Richard Fl

Great meal, just a small version of LOONEY!

JB

Haha. Think you may have trumped me Richard. Loney is definitely more inelegant than chili dogs! Now I just have to get a craving for 'loney.

Richard Fl

We are a small group, but Hoss is the ringleader. Ask him how to get an "Official" membership badge.

JB

I remember as a kid that a fried baloney sandwich was pretty hard to beat!

Hoss

Egg some 'Loney,post a pic and I'll send you a "LONEYMAN" pin to proudly wear as a testament to all that you are a member of our small but growing group of 'Loneylovers!!!

Richard Fl

It still is IMHO and I am 65!

Loaded up the other day to avoid the Holiday rush!

Lanier Jim

Dang JB - I coudn't afford real plates or a glass! :-) Those chili dogs look great - I wish I had one right now...on top of the Philly Cheese steak.

Nice post - and the chili recipe looked awesome.

Lanier Jim

JB

Thanks Jim, they were good. Something different...

Rib Bones

Looks good Jeff! I like me a good chili dog too.

Went all elegant on us though with the white tablecloth, beer in a glass and "aged reserve" white cheddar. Too funny! :laugh: :laugh:

I'll agree though, these folks know how to bring it on!!!

NibbleMeThis

The funny thing is, while elegance and gourmet is often viewed in terms of complexity (saffron infused foam crusted salmon with a micro injection), simplicity is the true test of a gourmet cook.

So to me, your dogs ARE elegance. If that makes me uncouth, fine!

Frank from Houma

Dogs rock

With cheese on a toasted bun


Heart healthy over lettuce and tomatoes - Stuffed with cheese and wrapped with bacon


Dogs plus Spam :woohoo:
Crown Roast




Dressed up Dogs

bubba tim

Richard, repeat after me...BoarsHead! :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: If ya got to eat lonney, might as well eat the very best!

HungryMan

I didn't put as much time in cooking or photos. This is the chili I had sent down from Detroit. One hot dog and the other is a loose hamburger.

cookn biker

Perfection Jeff!!
Thanks!

rsmdale

That is very elegant Jeff,I love a good chili dog as much as the next guy.I also love the Nathen;s dogs.That meal is 20 bucks at the ball field enjoy!!!

GOOD EATS AND GOOD FRIENDS

DALE

JB

Very nice Frank!

JB

Chris- I almost went with saffron-infused chili dogs, but damn, I was out of saffron... again!

JB

Thanks Molly

JB

Thanks Dale, at least 20 at the ball park with beer

RRP

Glad I enticed you with this pix of Pearl's! Pat just told me this morning she wants them again next week!



BTW the chili dog sauce I have been making for years now is this one from Chuck lane and is posted here.
http://www.eggheadforum.com/index.php?option=com_recipes&Itemid=71&func=detail&id=408

It's his knock-off version of that made by the popular Varsity in Hotlanta. I make it and then freeze it in "pucks" large enough for 2 dogs at a time.

Hoss

Hot dogs=Baby 'Loney!!! :P :laugh: