Homestyle Corn Dogs

Ingredients

• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120g) yellow cornmeal 1 cup (120g) yellow cornmeal
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1 large egg 1 large egg
• 8 high-quality hot dogs 8 high-quality hot dogs
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Wooden skewers or popsicle sticks Wooden skewers or popsicle sticks

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 8g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until well combined.
3. 3.
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
4. 4.
   Insert wooden skewers or popsicle sticks into the hot dogs, leaving a portion exposed for easy handling.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
6. 6.
   Dip each hot dog into the batter, coating it evenly. Allow any excess batter to drip off.
7. 7.
   Carefully place the battered hot dogs into the hot oil, cooking 2-3 at a time to avoid overcrowding.
8. 8.
   Fry the corn dogs for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
9. 9.
   Using tongs, remove the corn dogs from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10. 10.
    Serve the Homestyle Corn Dogs warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Hot dogs — Opt for high-quality hot dogs with a good meat-to-fat ratio for the best flavor and texture. Look for all-beef or a blend of beef and pork hot dogs for a traditional taste.
• Buttermilk — If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Tips & Tricks

• Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying the corn dogs to ensure a crispy exterior.
• Rotate the corn dogs while frying to ensure even browning.
• Serve with classic condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise, or get creative with flavored mayonnaises, barbecue sauce, or cheese sauce.
• For a twist, try using different types of sausages or adding spices like paprika or chili powder to the batter.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the corn dogs in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Serving advice

Serve the Homestyle Corn Dogs as a main dish with a side of fries or coleslaw. They are also perfect for parties and gatherings, served alongside other finger foods. Don't forget to provide a variety of dipping sauces to enhance the flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Homestyle Corn Dogs on a platter or wooden board, with the skewers or sticks pointing upwards. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color. Serve with the dipping sauces in small bowls or ramekins.