Friday’s Last Spoonful: Cooking Dogs

Heating 'em up -- a matter of preference

What is the best way to cook a hot dog? There are many who think that a grilled one is king. Grilling adds a smoke flavor and sears the outside with grill marks. It’s also convenient for outdoor parties. Don’t leave wieners over the flame for too long -- hot dogs may burn easily on the grill. Other hot dog lovers boil their wieners. There’s no trick in boiling wieners and no real danger of overcooking. There is no open-flame charring and overwhelming a boiled wiener’s flavor. If pan-frying, be sure to have a splatter guard on hand. We suggest using a cast-iron skillet for pan frying. Finally, deep fry a hot dog (like at Rutt's Hut in Clifton, N.J. and as seen on PBS’ A Hot Dog Program) only if you dare for a sinfully delicious taste with every bite. But we don't recommend this last method if you want to eat healthy.