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!

OK…what’s your sporting pleasure this weekend? World Series? Notre Dame football? Pro football in London?

Clearly, there’s too much going on to spend a lot of time in the kitchen getting the eats together. But, never fear… that’s where Mama can help.

These Rueben Dogs are a deliciously easy twist on an old deli favorite. In this case, instead of corned beef, we’re using hot dogs, but keeping the sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing and Swiss cheese… maybe.

What’s great about this recipe is that you can make it as “healthy” as you like by making these substitutions:

• Low or no-nitrate beef, turkey, chicken or tofu hot dogs instead of pork hot dogs.

• Whole wheat, light or gluten-free buns in place of white buns.

• Yogurt-based Thousand Island dressing or reduced-fat Thousand Island dressing instead of regular Thousand Island dressing.

• Fresh or organic sauerkraut instead of canned sauerkraut.

• Reduced fat Swiss cheese in place of regular Swiss cheese.

But, honestly, I’m kinda with GP on this one. These sports-filled weekends only come around once (okay, maybe twice) a year… so you might as well get the most enjoyment out of what you’re eating. Enjoy the Rueben Dog the way you really want to… and promise yourself that you’ll eat healthier the minute the Chicago Cubs make the World Series!!

       Print this recipe.