With the start of football season, my mind automatically turns to Super Bowl food. Which, as it turns out, is good for just about any football game, not just the Super Bowl. And before you ask, the answer is YES. I like football, but I like football food even more! Whether you enjoy the sport or not, any gathering with nice people and great food is going to be fun. I don’t really care who wins, I just want to cheer and laugh and eat!
When I was married, I had the best mother-in-law a girl could ask for. Known by my kids as “Mimi,” she has many fine qualities but cooking is not really something for which she is famous. However, the one thing she did cook, she did brilliantly. These hot dogs might very well be one of the most delicious, decadent things you’ve ever eaten on a bun. But be warned, you will probably be ruined for regular hot dogs after this.
I realize this is a bit of a departure from my usual “leaning toward healthy” fare, but every once in a while you just have to indulge, and these are one of my guilty pleasure foods. I make them slightly healthier by using turkey dogs, but I’m all about the real bacon. To save on calories, just skip the bun!
Mimi Dogs. Stuffed with pickles and cheese. Wrapped in bacon. Grilled to a crispy finish. My mouth is watering!
Mimi Dogs
(recipe from Mary Arnold)
Turkey hot dogs (plan on two per person)
Cheddar cheese, sliced in matchsticks
Dill pickles, sliced in matchsticks (I prefer the crunchy baby dills)
Bacon (you’ll need one slice per dog)
Toothpicks
Slice each hot dog down the center (don’t slice all the way through) and stuff with cheese and pickles.
Stuff with pickles and cheese.
Wrap one slice of bacon completely around the hot dog, sealing in the cheese and pickles. Secure with a couple of toothpicks.
All wrapped up and ready for the grill.
Cook on the grill (or indoors on a grill pan) over medium heat. Turn frequently to cook all sides. Cook until bacon is completely cooked on all sides.
Yummy, crispy, gooey, and ready to eat!
Remove toothpicks before eating! You can eat them just like this, or on a bun with your favorite condiments. I like a little ketchup on mine.
3hungrymonkeys 