Chicago’s Wrigley Field celebrates its 100^th Birthday today!

In honor of the centennial celebration, the ballpark is doing something really cool… they’re putting a historical twist on hot dogs.

“Decade Dogs” will commemorate each of the 10 decades that the North Side ball field has been in existence. If you look at the offerings you can really see how the American palate has become more adventurous and really embraced ethnic cuisine.

Some of the hot dogs sound absolutely delicious… others, not so much (I’m looking at you TV Dinner Dog).

Here’s a breakdown of the dogs, decade by decade, being offered at the Friendly Confines:

1910’s Rueben Dog: In honor of the invention of the Ruben Sandwich: Vienna Beef hot dog, sliced corn beef, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing and Swiss cheese.

1920’s Chicago Dog: The Chicago classic hot dog: Vienna Beef hot dog, tomato wedges, pickle spears, sport peppers, diced onions, mustard, neon relish and celery salt, served on a poppy seed bun.

1930’s Cheese Steak Dog: In honor of the invention of Philadelphia’s favorite sandwich: Vienna Beef hot dog, shaved rib eye steak, grilled onions, peppers and provolone cheese.

1940’s Corn Dog Nibblers: In honor of the Corn Dog, invented at the Texas State Fair: Deep-fried mini Vienna Beef corn dogs.

1950’s TV Dinner Dog: In honor of that unforgettable foil-tray meal:  Vienna Beef hot dog, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn.

1960’s Buffalo Wing Dog: In honor of that now ubiquitous party snack, invented at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York: Vienna Beef hot dog, diced chicken, buffalo sauce, bleu cheese crumbles and chopped celery.

1970’s Pulled Pork Dog: In honor of when America woke up and smelled the smoke (barbecue that is): Vienna Beef hot dog, pulled pork, barbecue sauce, fried onions and coleslaw.

1980’s Nacho Dog: In honor of the decade Tex-Mex cooking seduced the country: Vienna Beef hot dog, tortilla strips, nacho cheese, salsa and pickled jalapeños.

1990’s Bagel Dog: In honor of when bagels broke out of the New York Delicatessens and into middle America’s strip malls: Vienna Beef hot dog wrapped in a warm bagel with deli mustard.

2000’s Dog: The Decade Dog that is the most popular will also receive the honor of being named 2000 Dog.

I don’t see me being able to eat 10 dogs at any one game, so I guess I’ll have to make multiple trips back to Wrigley.  It’s a shame the Cubs can’t match the quality of the food!

Happy Birthday Wrigley Field!

I’m not a big sandwich eater any more (trying to cut out the bread you know), but sometimes I want something big and hearty, especially as the weather gets cooler.

Steak and salad pair beautifully, so why not marry them in a delicious sandwich slathered with spicy Sriracha mayonnaise?

I used my vinaigrette dressing on the salad, but you can use your favorite. The same goes for the Sriracha mayo: if you don’t have any Sriracha or don’t like it, a simple Dijon mustard also tastes magical.

This sandwich is also a great way to use leftovers. But flank steak cooks so fast on top of the stove or on the grill, it’s a quickie dinner option.

Hmmm… I might have to re-consider my self-imposed bread-ban.

Do you eat sandwiches for dinner?

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Don’t throw out those last few pieces of leftover Thanksgiving Turkey… make some Turkey Cubano Sandwiches for everyone… or just for yourself!

I’ve been to Cuba and used to live in Miami so, believe me, I know the debate that rages over not only what makes a true Cubano Sandwich but how to make a Cubano Sandwich.

This much everyone agrees on: A Cubano Sandwich is not a Panini. It is pressed on a sandwich press called a plancha (which is similar to a Panini press but without the grooved edges). I’ve improvised a plancha over the years (see below). Don’t laugh. It really works. (But, yes, you can use a Panini maker). Regardless, what you want to end up with is a thin hot sandwich oozing with cheesy goodness.

This much is also true: The sandwich ingredients are roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, thinly sliced dill pickles and, of course, Cuban bread (which looks like French bread, but is slightly sweet). I can’t find Cuban bread where I live, and I’m too frazzled right now to make it, so I use French bread (but never a baguette) or a bolillo. I scoop out a little of the bread on the inside so it isn’t too “bready.” Oh, and I add a little mustard to my Cubano, even though purists will object.

Pretty easy, very delicious and the perfect way to wrap up the Thanksgiving holiday… finally!

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Homemade Plancha to press the Sandwich!