Chili Dog Recipe

So over the years, I've developed a chili dog recipe that will certainly go through some more changes (like a specific chili recipe.)  But the one I've relied on for the last couple of years seems to be a hit, and takes no more than 30-40 minutes from start to finish. The details are important and make this one stand out. So here goes:

Toasted Chili Dogs

- One 8-pack hot dog buns (use wheat or Whitewheat as these are more dense than regular buns, and hold up better with toppings, and toast better)
- A pack of 8 beef hot dogs (light, low-fat, or organic)
- One 8 oz. package of shredded sharp cheddar (2% is best because it melts well with the other ingredients)
- One 15 oz can of Wolf Brand Chili (regular or turkey, doesn't matter, no beans, they just get in the way)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 shakes Tabasco
- Optional ingredients - sliced jalapenos, sour cream, side items

Get two pots, one full of water to boil the hot dogs, one to warm up the chili.  Boil the water first, including your garlic powder and Tabasco.  Once it's rolling add your hot dogs.

While the water heats up, get a baking pan and spread out your hot dog buns evenly, so that that they can hold all the ingredients in them.  Take a small amount of the shredded cheese and sprinkle it in the bottom part of each bun. 

In the other pan, add the chili and keep it on a low setting while stirring.  When the hot dogs are done, use tongs to add each one to the buns. 

At this point you want to preheat the oven to 250 degrees.

When the chili has gotten warm enough use a wood spoon to cover the hot dogs up, don't overload them, you should have some chili left over.

Add the rest of the cheese on top, actually it shouldn't take all of it.  But most of it.  Place the pan in the oven (should be preheated by now) and let bake for 10-12 minutes. 

While it's cooking, get out plates, napkins, jalapenos, the remaining cheese, sour cream, and any sides you've come up with.  When you're done or close to it, the oven's going to beep.  The cheese will be melted, the buns will be nice and toasty, and it'll be time to eat.  Don't forget forks in case the dogs are too topping-heavy.  Enjoy!