Does ketchup belong on a hot dog and more May 12 editorial cartoons

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Does ketchup belong on a hot dog and more May 12 editorial cartoons

May 12, 2024 4:34 pm ET

Despite the fact that it is common knowledge that the best hot dog toppings are mustard, relish, and a good, snappy hot dog bun, people continue to argue about what belongs on a hot dog.

Of course, no true American would ever put cheese on a hot dog. That is simply not done. And while some people prefer their hot dogs plain, there is something special about a hot dog that is fully loaded with all of the fixings.

But what are the best hot dog toppings? That is a matter of opinion, of course, but I think we can all agree that ketchup does not belong on a hot dog.

Growing up, my family always had hot dogs on Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. We would have a big barbecue with hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, potato salad, and macaroni and cheese. It was always a fun and delicious celebration with family and friends.

And while I enjoyed all of the food, I always looked forward to the hot dogs the most. My family used to get hot dogs in bulk from a local grocery store, and we would put them in the freezer until we were ready to cook them.

We would usually grill the hot dogs on the barbecue, but sometimes we would pan-fry them in a large skillet. And while I prefer my hot dogs grilled, I have to admit that pan-fried hot dogs have a certain charm to them.

My family would always have a variety of hot dog toppings on hand, such as mustard, relish, ketchup, mayonnaise, and chopped onions. But the topping that I enjoyed the most was my grandmother’s homemade mustard sauce.

It was a creamy and tangy sauce that was made with Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, sour cream, and a hint of garlic powder. My grandmother’s mustard sauce was the perfect complement to the hot dogs, and I would always put a generous portion on my dog.

Now that I am older, I still enjoy making mustard sauce, although my recipe has changed slightly over the years. I like to experiment with different flavors and combinations of ingredients to create new and interesting sauces.

But no matter what kind of mustard sauce I make, it always brings back fond memories of my childhood and the many family barbecues that we enjoyed together. And I am grateful for those memories.