Pigs in a Blanket. Can I even call them that if I used all-beef dogs? "Franks in Blanks" just doesn't have the same ring to it, ya know? For this adventure, I used Nathan's Famous Beef Franks, my new favorite brand. Hot dogs are a rare treat in my house, so when I do choose to have them, why not go with one so delicious that a man could eat 68 of them in 10 minutes? Yes, I know hot dogs aren't considered "real food" to some people, and they're far from being a lean meat choice. Turkey dogs I can handle, but the fat-free stuff? Well... if hot dogs aren't real food then the fat-free dogs can't possibly be any closer. I just looked it up, and most of them have around 40 calories. Forty? Really? What can they possibly be made of? No thanks, I'd rather eat the good stuff in moderation! :)
Pigs in a Blanket (adapted from Taste of Home)
1 pkg. (¼ oz.) instant yeast
⅓ cup sugar
⅔ cup warm milk (110-115°F)
⅓ cup warm water (110-115°F)
1 egg, beaten
2 Tbl. butter, melted
1 tsp. salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
⅔ cup whole wheat flour
8-10 hot dogs (I used 8 and made breadsticks with the excess dough)
In a stand mixer fitted with with a dough hook, combine all ingredients except hot dogs. Mix well to form soft dough, then knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Since we're using some wheat flour, the dough won't form a smooth ball, and the sides of the mixer bowl won't come completely clean. (You can also do knead by hand, if preferred. Flour up your work surface first.)
Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down; divide into 10 portions. Flatten each portion into a rectangle and wrap around hot dogs; pinch seam and ends to seal. Roll on counter briefly to smooth out and evenly distribute dough. (If you only have 8 hot dogs, shape dinner rolls or breadsticks with the excess dough.) Place seam side down onto greased baking sheets; let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F in the meantime.
Bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with plenty of ketchup & mustard for dipping (or my favorite, honey mustard!)
Pigs in a blanket are wonderful! I don't eat them too often but, when I do, I always enjoy it. These are a great food treat for kids especially, for picky eaters. Nice blog post! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI once tried the fat free hot dogs....uggggg. Not very tasty. I will take the real stuff in moderation just like you. These look really good too. Better than anything you would find pre-made. My favorite brand of hot dogs are Boars Head. They have the casing and I love when you bite into them how they pop...yum!
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