Coney Island Hot Dog

What is a Coney Island Hot Dog?  
Pretty much it is a snappy hot dog topped with chili and other ingredients, such as onions, cheddar cheese, and mustard.

Many historians will say that it originated in Coney Island, New York.  A Polish immigrant, Nathan Handwerker was encouraged to sell these hot dogs for a nickel on the streets, in 1916.
Countless New Yorker's flocked his stands including politicians, actors, sportsmen, truck drivers, laborers, and housewives.  Soon the Coney Island Hot Dog made it's way into the Michigan area.

Today, we enjoy this hot dog the same way.  I created this delicious and simple chili recipe that can be served, on your favorite hot dogs.

Coney Island Chili

Ingredients:
8 grilled hot dogs (grilled or boiled)
8 Three Bakers Hot Dog Buns
1 lb ground beef
1/3 cup chopped sweet onion
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 TBS chili powder
1 TBS cumin
1/2 tsp celery salt
1 TBS worcestershire sauce
1 cup tomato sauce

Directions:
1.  In a skillet add 1 TBS cooking oil.  Add beef, onions, and garlic.  Saute until meat is brown (approx. 5-8 mins).
2.  Add chili, cumin, celery salt, worcestershire, and tomato sauce.  Stir and simmer 10 mins.

Sausage Gravy

Breakfast Sausage Gravy

Ingredients:
1 TBS cooking oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 tsp garlic, chopped
1 lb Pork sausage meat, ground ( sage and brown sugar)
1/3 cup flour ( I used gluten-free)
3 cups whole milk
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 tsp coarse pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
Three Bakers Golden Flax Bread

Directions:
1.  In a medium-size skillet, heat oil on medium/high heat.  Add onions.  Cook until soft.  Add garlic, stir and cook for an additional 1 minute.
2.  Add meat and cook until brown, chop with a spoon or spatula into small pieces.
3.  Sprinkle flour over the top of cooked meat.  Stir to let dissolved.  Cook for 2-3 mins.
4.  Add milk and stir.  Cook for 5 mins or until thickens.  Add salt, pepper, and paprika.  Stir.
5.  Serve over toasted Three Bakers Golden Flax Bread.

Lemon Bay Tuna Mac Salad

In 1896 2,000 acres of land was purchased in Englewood (SW FL).  This land, which is bordering the Gulf Bay, was to be a thriving Florida, "Grove Town".  The Nichols brothers aimed to plant lemon trees and grown lemons, which were in high demand.  Not only were lemons very costly, but they were also known for treating scurvy and influenza, both serious health threats, at the time.  

Everyone agreed it was a good plan except Mother Nature.  Severe back-to-back freezes killed all the immature lemon trees that had been planted.  The lowest temperature recorded was 14 degrees.

Game plan change:  Lemon Bay, Englewood was soon promoted as a resort area featuring excellent hunting, golfing, fishing, and water activities, which became one of the first Winter resort spots in Florida. 

One of the most popular fish caught in SW Florida is the Mackerel, which is in the tuna family.  Today, many residents and vacationers enjoy ALL that Englewood has to offer, including abundant fishing and tropical citrus trees.

No doubt, this recipe represents the area in which I live in.  I used only the best dressings to compliment this salad also.  Guess what "one" ingredient is used in their products?  If you guessed lemons, you are correct. #Hellmanns #tasteofamericabbq #ContestEntry

Lemon Bay Tuna  Mac Salad

Ingredients:

8 ozs elbow pasta, cooked and drained

1/3 cup red onion, chopped

1 cup Hellmann's Mayonnaise 

1/4 cup Hellmann's Classic Burger Sauce

2 TBS half and half

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1 TBS cider vinegar

2 TBS sugar

1 tsp tarragon, chopped

1 tsp parsley, chopped

1/8 tsp salt

1/8 tsp coarse pepper

2 can Solid White Tuna, drained

Directions:

1.  Cook pasta, drain.

2.  In a medium-size mixing bowl.  Add all other ingredients (except tuna).  Mix well.

3.  Add tuna to dressing.  Mix well.  Season to your liking.  Fold in pasta.  Chill for 4 hrs or overnight.

Serves 6-8 people

Feta Turkey Burgers with Avocado Aioli

Feta Turkey Burgers with Avocado Aioli

Tired of your lean meat always drying out.  Add some healthy fat to this

delicious recipe.  You will be surprised how super moist and flavorful these burgers are.

Add these burgers to a Three Bakers Hamburger Bun and top with this

avocado garlic aioli (recipe below)

Turkey Burger Ingredients:

3 lbs ground turkey meat

1/2 cup mashed avocado

8 ozs feta cheese

2/3 cup scallions, chopped

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

1 lime, juiced and zest

Directions:

1.  Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl.  Fold until completely mixed.  Mold into patties.

2.  Cook on grill, frying pan or oven until desired temperature.

Makes approx. 11 -12 patties, depending on size

Avocado Aioli Recipe:

1/2 avocado

1/2 clove garlic

1/2 cup mayo

1/4 cup cilantro

1 lime juiced and zest

1/8 tsp sea salt

Directions:

1.  Puree all ingredients in food processor until smooth.  Add a bit of olive oil for smoother texture.