How to Make a Chicago Hot Dog

Hot Dogs are as American as apple pie. They go into the category of comfort food when hosting backyard barbecues, shopping at the mall, or attending a ball game in the summer. Everyone has their own preferences of how to assemble one. Some like chili on their dog. Some cook them with pastry baked around them. Some even prefer the corn dogs on a stick. My favorite dog is without a doubt, the Chicago Hot Dog.
What is a Chicago hot dog? I will tell you that it is a mainstay in the windy city and the ingredients are pretty consistent no matter where you go in the Chicago metropolitan area. The number one rule of this junk food treat is that ketchup will always be considered the uninvited guest to the party. Try requesting ketchup on your dog at many fast food establishments, and you shall be met with scorn from short order cooks as well as fellow patrons. The other number one rule with Chicago hot dog is that the dog is meat is "all beef". Whether ordering out or preparing at home, no one uses hot dogs with any filler or any other meats aside from beef. Notable all beef franks sold in the area include Vienna, Best Kosher, and Ball Park.

A true chicago hot dog is topped with mustard, celery salt, relish, onions, tomatoes, pickle spear, and finally some sport peppers.

Anything more or less makes it anything but a Chicago Dog!