THE HOT DOG AND THE HAMBURGER

To me, these two things can help cure or temporarily distract what ails people all over the world. I want you to think about your best Hot Dog or Hamburger experience and see if it does not conjure up feelings of everything is fine in the moment experiences. There is just something about these two American icons that deliver every single time

HAMBURGERS IN THE OLD DAYS

The old diners scattered throughout the United States used to serve up a patty of fatty meat grilled right before your eyes just sizzling away. The sight and the sound made the mouth water. The traditional round bun stood by faithfully to receive the meat when ready. The cook at some point needed to know one thing...YA WANT ONIONS? If yes, he piled them on top and they cooked in the burger juices...WHOA

No lettuce, tomato or pickles were used at that time. Those came later and were served on the side. Today, there are places that specialize in doing a burger consistently and memorably so that it remains a COME BACK experience. I like them 3 ways but not limited to just three.

1. Just double onions, meat and traditional bun

2. Ketchup, onions and meat only

3. One with pickles, onions, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard...I need at least two of any of these combos at one sitting BTW

THE HOT DOG

Originally, somebody took leftover meats and ground them up, seasoned them and put them in a casing. Then, it was either grilled, boiled or even fried and then served on a bun that complimented its form. Many ate this just as meat and bread. Trimmings came later with the most famous being the mustard...OH THE MUSTARD...yum

Now, you can get dogs with the works and it still remains very personal too. My personal favorites consist of three specific dogs.

1. A dog with double mustard and then smothered in fresh sauerkraut..Of course all buns have to be steamed or warm

2. A dog with onions, relish and mustard..... double portions of all of these. I want to wipe my mouth off with every bite

3. A chili dog with mustard and onions smothered of course but not soggy where you cannot lift to the mouth and partake

There cannot be any wrong in these 2 American past times....so sayeth the American people...and I agree