Camping: Italian Dogs

Hot dogs are, of course, a must when you're camping. Sitting around the fire with coat hanger skewered meat dangling over the flames feels so primal. Kind of. It's fun anyway. Plus, hot dogs are quick to cook (precooked technically), easy to pack, agreeable to even the most finicky eaters & all in all, pretty yummy stuff, but sometimes they can be a bit blah. Meat, ketchup, bun ... yawn. So, in an effort to dress up our dogs I decided a quick wrap of pancetta would do nicely. Over a crackling fire it crisps right up. Topped with spicy arugula these "Italian" dogs have a sharp bite to them. Serve 'em up with a big can of baked beans. Are they Italian? No. Are they perfect camping food? Yes.

Italian Dogs, for 4 - 8

1 8 ct. package of beef hot dogs (I recommend Nathan's)

1 8 ct. package buns (whole wheat)

16 slices pancetta

1 1/2 c. arugula

8 slices muenster cheese

1 tsp. per dog dijon mustard

1 tsp. per dog mayonnaise

For Campers: Get your fire going steady. Open your can of beans & remove the paper. Nestle in the coals or set on top of a grill plate over the fire. They should be warmed through in 10 - 20 minutes depending on your can size.

Meanwhile, wrap all your hot dogs in pancetta (1 - 2 slices per dog). Skewer them with a wire coat hanger & hold them close to the flames until the pancetta begins to crisp up. The pancetta likes to unwind itself if you do this too quickly, so do this slowly, it will pay off! This should take about 8 - 10 minutes.

Once cooked through & crisp, tuck the dogs into a bun & dress as you like. I prefer dijon mustard, munster cheese & arugula.

For Home Cooks: Preheat your oven to 400F. Prepare your beans according to package directions (or skip 'em all together & serve the Italian dogs with a green salad or roasted potatoes).

Meanwhile, wrap your all your hot dogs in pancetta & place on a foil lined baking sheet. Cook in the oven for 10 - 15 minutes or until the pancetta is crisp.

Once cooked through & crisp, tuck the dogs into a bun & dress as you like. I prefer dijon mustard, munster cheese & arugula.