Cooking hot dogs in a pot of water on the stove top is probably the healthiest way to cook them; if you can use healthy and hot dog in the same sentence that is. The process of cooking the dogs in water removes some of the fat and sodium while they cook. If we are not throwing some on the grill for a gathering of friends and family, most of us here in the USA probably prefer to cook only the needed amount in the microwave when our little ones want lunch.
Try cooking a package or two on the stove top. Cover dogs with water in a pot and bring to a low simmer; use a lid on the pot while cooking. Using a lid conserves heat energy in the pot and keeps the fat in the steam from settling all over your kitchen. That's what that sticky film is that builds up all over everything in your kitchen from your canisters to things hanging on the walls.
Drain, and then lay them out on a cookie sheet freezing them flat, not touching each other. Put them in the freezer. Once frozen; I wait about 30 minutes; put the hot dogs in a sealed container removing only the amount you need each time. This works great for grilling too; you can go straight to the grill from the cooking pot or freezer.
I put mine in a quart mason jar to store in the freezer, I can get about 12 in one jar, but don’t pack them too tight or you won’t be able to get out only one or two at a time. Or freeze them in a Ziploc or together in serving sizes that works best for you. Then you can microwave for quick serving, but serve a bit healthier version of hot dogs.
This was re-posted from a year or so ago.
I link at these parties.
If you are reading this post anywhere else but at Family Home and Life then it was used without permission! Please report it! Copyright © Family Home and Life 2010-2013 All Rights Reserved
Yeah, healthy and hot dogs don't really go together, but sometimes, you just want a hot dog! (preferably loaded with chili and onions!) This is a good tip, thanks!
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh when I read your title. Healthy is a relative term. And who does not like hot dogs even though we don't all like to admit it. If you are feeding hungry hoards they really do satisfy. Having them good to go into the microwave with less fat is a great idea. Have a great week! Visiting from House on the Way. Love, Wanda
ReplyDeleteIn South-Africa we prefer to cook our hot dogs this way - I have actually never seen them being grilled as in BBQ over here. Great that you share how you freeze them as well. Thank you for sharing this post at the ALL MY BLOGGY FRIENDS party, Connie!
ReplyDeleteSince I haven't had lunch yet even hot dogs sound really good! But you're right -- even the chicken and turkey ones aren't very healthy especially with chili and cheese and a side of potato chips of course!
ReplyDeleteYeah health isn't what one usually thinks of when it comes to hotdogs but like Kim an Wanda said sometimes, Ya just need a hot dog!.. LOL.. I love the ideas in this post especially about freezing in the mason jar.. I didn't know you could put those in the freezer.
ReplyDeleteRobyn
Appreciating the dedication you put into your site and in depth information you present.
ReplyDeleteIt's awesome to come across a blog every once in a while that isn't
the same outdated rehashed information. Fantastic read!
I've saved your site and I'm adding your RSS feeds to
my Google account.
My blog post; more info
My mom always did this growing up. We don't eat too many hot dogs here except for in the summer at cook outs, but when we do I usually boil them first. :-) I love the idea of storing them in the freezer after boiling.
ReplyDeleteI'm visiting from the Ducks n a Row blog hop and following via GFC. Have a great week!
wow, great idea.... I am a micro hot dog lady, but will try your way... all that fat on top of the water is yuk!!! Thanks for linking up to Tasteful Tuesdays @ nap-timecreations.com
ReplyDeleteBoiling them first is a great idea as it really helps the salty factor as well. I find hot dogs to be so salty, but they are just so yummy that I have to splurge once in a while!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea. Then you can pull them out of the freezer and heat them however you prefer. Thanks for linking up with us for Fabulously Frugal Thursday.
ReplyDeleteWe don't eat hot dogs very often. They are mostly just a treat for kids at birthday parties. But if we do, we always boil them. They taste better that way.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips and this how I've always cooked hot-dogs.
ReplyDeleteThank You for sharing this with Show Your Stuff.
ReplyDeleteWe always used to make hotdogs like this. I agree. It's healthier because the fat boils out of it. Very cool. Thanks for sharing. Linda
ReplyDeleteWow, I never thought of flash freezing hot dogs! I didn't really think about making them healthier either, lol! We don't eat them very often but when we do it's chicken or turkey hot dogs and we heat them in the microwave.
ReplyDeleteI like your way, it's healthier and then we can just pop them in the microwave. Thanks for linking up to "Making Your Home Sing Monday" today!
Have you ever made hot dog octopuses? It only works if you boil them. Prior to boiling, take a knife and cut them from about 1 inch from the top all the way to the bottom of the dog. Do this 4 times, until you have 8 strips of hot dog (still connected to the 1 inch top) dangling. When you drop the dog into the boiling water, the octopus's "legs" curl up. Pretty cool, but they won't fit nicely into your mason jar for freezing. Good for a few laughs :)
ReplyDeleteWow - what a great idea!!! Stopping by from Making Your Home Sing and I'm glad I did. I plan to do this! Blessings from Croatia: Rosilind from A Little R & R: www.littlerandr.org
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that about the fat boiling off. I really like the ideal of freezing them individually.
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks for the tips! Found you on busy monday and I'm a new follower!
ReplyDeleteChristi
http://the-not-so-perfect-momblog.blogspot.com/
Who knew that their was a healthier way to have hot dogs! Great tips. Thank you for linking up at Fluster's Creative Muster. Hope to see you next week!
ReplyDeleteRobin @ Fluster Buster
Great idea to store them like that! Thanks for linking up to Monday Funday!
ReplyDeleteGood ideas!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Stacey of Embracing Change
You know, just gotta have a dog every now and then. I prefer mine bbq's but if their Polish I just boil them. Great ideas! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
I didn't know that there was a healthier way to cook hot dogs! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
~Liz
Very Interesting! Thanks for Sharing at Show Me Your Plaid Monday's!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great tip, Connie! I've got one kiddo who likes hot dogs and I usually buy the organic turkey or chicken, but I can tell he doesn't like them as much. Maybe I'll give the traditional beef kind a try again and use your tip.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at A New Creation link party!
It's been such a long time since I've had a hot dog :) They have nitrate free varieties now for a healthier version. Thanks for sharing on The Creative HomeAcre Hop! Hope to see you tomorrow at:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2013/03/the-creative-homeacre-hop-8.html
Great idea! I've never even thought about storing them that way! Love it. Thank you so much for sharing at A Bouquet of Talent this week! Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Kathy
hmmm... hot dog... I love mine with chili! Thanks for sharing the tips, and thanks for sharing @ Submarine Sunday!
ReplyDeleteNavy Wifey Peters
This is a great tip!! Thanks for sharing this at Romance on a dime.
ReplyDelete