We are cruising through the last week of school around here and we’re getting the itch to do all the things outside! Historically, Memorial weekend is either cool and raining or scorching hot in Southwest Minnesota. However, this weekend is shaping up to be one of the nicest ones we’ve had in a while. We are going to take full advantage of this wonderful weather and probably do most of our cooking outside. I know a lot of people getting ready to host some big parties for graduation and Memorial Day. Food is always a focal point, and so thought I would throw out an idea for you if you’re looking for creative ways to serve a crowd.
A New Family Tradition
Every Sunday night at our house, we have family supper. We have our grandsons every Sunday after church and then their parents join us for supper that evening. After supper, we usually run around the yard playing wiffle ball or soccer and this past Sunday was no different. I’m still sore to prove it! Haha! This has become a fun tradition and this past weekend we thought it’d be fun to try a hotdog bar. What screams “Minnesota picnic food” more than a good old hotdog? While we don’t mind the simplicity of a grilled hotdog, I thought we could spruce it up a bit!
Endless Topping Options for Your Hotdog Bar
The beauty of a hotdog bar is that the topping options are endless! Here’s what we included:
Onions, red onions, green onions
Pickles
Tomatoes
Shredded cheese, nacho cheese
Bacon bits
Baked beans
Chili
Sauerkraut
Mac n' cheese
To complete the meal, we served potato salad, watermelon and chips with French onion dip. It was a hit! Some people went all out with their toppings, while others kept it simple with just ketchup and mustard.
Either way, there was something for everyone, and it was a fun way to let people customize their meal.
Get Creative: Try a Breakfast Dog
Next time, I’m taking it up a notch with a breakfast dog! It may sound unusual, but trust me, it’s a real thing (Google it!). Think scrambled eggs, crispy potatoes and maybe even some bacon or sausage as toppings. The possibilities for breakfast-inspired flavors are endless, and it’s a fun twist on the classic hotdog bar!
Chickens Love Leftovers Too
And let’s not forget the chickens—they benefited greatly from our hotdog bar leftovers (minus the onions and bread from the buns, of course!). They gobbled up the extras, and everyone went to bed happy! Want to know what’s safe to feed your chickens and what to avoid? Check out this blog for all the details!
Whatever your Memorial Day weekend looks like, I hope it’s filled with lots of good food, family, friends, and activities you love! I’ll be heading to a bunch of graduations, while snuggling my chickens every chance I get!
Until next time,
–The Wing Lady