Everything You’ve Always Wanted To Know About Hot Dogs, Or Didn’t

Bruce Kraig is a well known food historian. That isn't important to me, what is important is Bruce knows a lot about Hot Dogs, one of my favorite foods. When I saw he wrote a book on hot dogs, I wanted to find out more.

Bruce told me even though they are associated with American culture, they were invented in Germany. Think of Memorial Day without hot dogs, think of going to a Twins or Brewers Game without a Dog? Fourth of July, Labor Day weekend. All holidays that you could grill a dog and you're ready to go.

Everyone likes them differently, ketchup, mustard, relish, etc. Kids prefer ketchup, and adults prefer mustard. Believe it or not, mustard is better for you.So what's the difference between a Hot Dog, Dog, Frankfurter, Weiner, Red Hot, Tube Steak....etc.? Bruce knew.

So what's the difference between a Hot Dog, Dog, Frankfurter, Weiner, Red Hot, Tube Steak....etc.? Bruce knew. The answer, not much, you say potato I say patata.

His book with Patty Carroll " Man Bites Dog" explores the transformation of hot dogs from unassuming street fare to paradigms of regional expression, social mobility, and democracy. World-renowned hot dog scholar Bruce Kraig investigates the history, people, décor, and venues that make up hot dog culture and what it says about our country. These humble sausages cross ethnic and regional boundaries and have provided the means for plucky entrepreneurs to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. Hot dogs, and the ways we enjoy them, are part of the American dream.

According to fooducate.com7 eleven sells themost hot dogs, 100 million a year. The average American eats 50 hot dogs every year. Are you below or above? Hot dogs were of the first food eaten on the moon. Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and “Buzz” Aldrin Jr. ate hot dogs on their 1969 journey.

A little known fact about Hot Dogs......Babe Ruth once ate 12 hot dogs & 8 bottles of soda between games of a double header. He was reportedly rushed to the hospital after the game with a severe case of indigestion.

Wanna know more, you can pick up the book!