My love for cooking began when I was a kid. I think I made my first batch of brownies by myself when I was about 8 years old. I made all manner of things from grilled cheese to pancakes from scratch… mac and cheese from the box and PB&J on Ritz crackers! And by the time I was 11, I made a full pot of Portuguese soup for my Vavó on a trip to Portugal. I was always curious. Always wanting to learn. I don’t quite remember how I came upon this recipe. It could have been on T.V. or in a kid’s magazine or a cookbook somewhere. But, I vividly remember this concoction on a summer vacation when I was a kid. And I loved it!
If you want to get your kid’s started on learning to be self-sufficient in the kitchen, the best place to start is with things they love. Then you can work up from there. Then you get a little more adventurous asking them to pick out veggies at the market and make creations. So, to start them off, this is a no brainer. What kid doesn’t love hotdogs? What kid doesn’t love grilled cheese? And what kid doesn’t love being creative? And so the Hot Dog Griller was born.
Start off with these simple ingredients. A non-stick skillet, spatula and some patience.
The first thing you are going to want to do is warm up your bread if it’s not fresh from the bakery. 5-10 seconds in the microwave should do it. Then butter one side.
Next, cook your hotdog in which ever method you like best. Here, I am steaming it in the same skillet I will use for the grilling. There is about 1/8 c. water. The same amount can be used for two hot dogs. I would add a bit more for any more than that.
Once your water is just about gone, your hotdog should be ready. If kid’s are doing this with you, let it cool for a minute before working with it.
Cut your hotdog in half lengthwise.
Place one piece of sliced American cheese on the unbuttered side of your bread. (American cheese bends best, but if you prefer something else, go for it)
Now, place one half the hotdog in the center of the bread and cheese. Fold diagonally and grill like a grilled cheese.
And here is what you get. The hotdog is cooked, so really you just need the cheese to melt and the bread to brown. Hotdog Griller!
Recipe for Hot Dog Griller:
(serves 2)
2 slices whole wheat bread (any square sliced bread will work fine)
1 hotdog (regular size, any brand)
1 T. margarine
2 slices American cheese (or whatever you like best)
1/8 cup water (if steaming hot dog)
Directions:
Steam hot dog in 1/8 cup water. When water fully evaporates, the hot dog should be done. Cut in half lengthwise. Set aside.
Spread margarine on one side of each of the slices of bread. Turn over, place cheese and half a hot dog. Fold in half forming a triangle. Grill as you would a grilled cheese until both sides are golden brown. Cut in half making two smaller triangles or leave as one large triangle. (If your child loves mustard either use as a dipping sauce or place on hot dog when building sandwich, my suggesting would be to try as a dipping sauce first to ensure they still like mustard with the cheese.
Enjoy!