Dog Days of Summer

The dog days of summer are defined as the hottest, muggiest season (from July 3 through August 11).  In summer, the brightest star in the sky, Sirius, also known as the dog star, rises and sets with the sun.  Ancients believed the sun and its heat created this hot, sultry weather.  Thus they associated it with Sirius' constellation, Canis major, "the big dog".

Corn Dogs

• 2 medium eggs
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup flour
• 1 1/3 cups corn meal
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 to 1-1/2 pounds hot dogs
• flour for dusting (about 1/2 cup)
• oil for deep frying
• Popsicle sticks

Preheat oil to about 375F so it is hot by the time you are ready to cook the corn dogs.  In a large bowl combine the milk, eggs, oil, sugar and salt and mix well. Add in the baking powder, corn meal and flour and stir to make a slightly thick batter.  Dry hot dogs off on paper towels. Dust them with flour, coating them completely so the cornmeal batter will stick.  Push  popsicle sticks into the flour coated hot dogs.  Dip the hot dogs in the bowl of batter until they are coated, and then carefully drop them into the hot oil.  Only fry 2 or 3 corn dogs at a time. Turn until well browned. Use tongs to remove the cooked corn dogs and drain on paper towels. Serve warm, accompanied by ketchup and mustard. Buzz:  sweet chili dipping sauce or remoulade adds fancy finishing touch. Makes about 12 corn dogs.
Buzz:  If desired, you can make small corn dogs by cutting hot dogs into thirds. Poke a toothpick up into the end of the hot dogs. You can also use kielbasa pieces. This size is nice for parties.