Michigan hot dog facts for kids
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| Type | Hot dog |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United States |
| Region or state | Plattsburgh, New York |
| Main ingredients | Hot dog bun, hot dog, michigan Sauce (meat sauce) |
A Michigan hot dog is a special kind of hot dog. It's an all-beef hot dog served on a steamed bun. What makes it unique is its meaty sauce, called "Michigan sauce." This tasty treat is very popular in and around Plattsburgh, New York. You might also hear it called a "Michigan red hot" or just a "Michigan."
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The Story Behind the Michigan Hot Dog
No one is completely sure where the Michigan hot dog first came from. Some people think the name "Michigan" shouldn't even be capitalized!
Early Beginnings in Plattsburgh
In 1927, a couple named Eula and Garth Otis opened the very first Michigan hot dog stand in Plattsburgh, New York. They were originally from the state of Michigan. This might be why the hot dog got its name.
A newspaper writer named Gordie Little once found an old advertisement from 1927 for the Otis's Michigan hot dogs. He calls the Michigan hot dog "a cultural institution" because it's such an important part of the local food scene.
Where Did the Sauce Come From?
The special Michigan sauce might have started in Michigan too. However, it's quite different from the sauces used on Coney Island hot dogs in Detroit. The Michigan sauce doesn't have organ meats (like liver) and isn't very Greek in flavor. But its texture is similar to the sauce found on hot dogs in Flint, Michigan.
What's in a Michigan Hot Dog?
The most important part of a Michigan hot dog is its unique sauce.
The Special Michigan Sauce
The recipes for Michigan sauce can be different from place to place. Some sauces are made with a tomato base. They might include ingredients like vinegar, brown sugar, and a mix of spices. Other sauces don't use any tomato at all. These sauces get their flavor only from seasonings. The sauce is made with ground beef and doesn't have any big chunks of meat.
Other Toppings
Besides the special sauce, you can often add other toppings to your Michigan hot dog. These usually include chopped onions and yellow mustard. Unlike some other hot dog styles, like Cincinnati-style coneys, Michigan hot dogs are not usually topped with cheese.
Sometimes, people like to order their hot dogs with the onions placed under the meat. When you order it this way, you ask for the hot dog to be "buried."
Images for kids
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A robot friend
See also
In Spanish: Michigan hot dog para niños
