Recipe: Hot Dog Shop Chili Dogs

Hot Dog Shop Chili Dogs
rec.food.cooking/J. Helman (2001)

The Hot Dog Shop (Pennsylvania), a 50's-style diner in Butler, Pa. remains practically unchanged in the pursuit of the modernization that many small American towns have experienced. For years, the Hot Dog Shop's specialty chili dog recipe remained a mystery.

This spicy recipe is full of distinct flavors and may be served as chili. Add 2 cans of kidney beans and one chopped green pepper, if desired. The chili sauce may be frozen, but remember, pepper increases its potency when frozen. If freezing, add the pepper later.

2 pounds hamburger, cooked and drained
1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion
2 tbsp. salt
1 1/2 oz. chili powder
1/2 tbsp. cloves
1 tbsp. nutmeg
1 tbsp. black pepper
1 tbsp. sugar
1/2 oz. paprika
14 oz. ketchup
7 cups water
1 cups flour

Mix 1 cup water with 1 cup of flour to make a paste. Stir in other ingredients. Add remaining water. Simmer slowly for 2 hours. Stir occasionally.

Makes 3 quarts

Serve on grilled hot dogs in hot dog rolls topped with a sprinkling of raw white onion and a wedge of dill pickle.