An Onion of a Day

In the month of June onions are celebrated twice. The first would be today, National Onion Ring Day. The second is but a few days away, June 27 for National Onion Day.

Hands down, Onion Rings are our favorite “casual” dining appetizer. It doesn’t matter if we are at our favorite Irish Pub or a chain such as Applebee’s Diner, we almost always order onion rings to start. When given the option of onion rings or fries as a side with his burger, Hubby almost always goes for the rings. When he does, I’ll order the fires and we share.

Onion rings can be enjoyed all on their own, atop a Western Bacon Burger, or as a side to anything from a French Dip to a Grilled Hot Dog. What is not to love about onion rings?

As for the history of Onion Rings, like nearly all food related creations, it’s anybody’s guess. Some claim a recipe for fried onions with Parmesan Cheese that appeared in a cookbook as early as 1802 was the start of the onion ring. Perhaps that is where the Texas chain Kirby’s Pig Stand got the idea of serving onion rings in the 1920s. America as a whole was introduced to onion rings by the 1930, and thanks to A&W the craze really boomed when added to their Papa Burger, Mama Burger and Baby Burger line. (A little FYI – A&W began in my neck of the woods in the sleepy little town of Lodi – the very same Lodi that John Fogerty sang about in 1969).

Here’s to National Onion Ring Day and all those delicious deep-fried rings in our future.

Spicy Grilled Hots Dogs and Onion Rings
1/2 Yellow Onion
Pickled Jalapeño Peppers as desired
2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Spicy Jalapeño Mustard
A few drops Scorpion Pepper Hot Sauce, optional
4 Hot Dog Buns
2 tablespoons Jalapeño Olive Oil
4 Jumbo Dinner Franks
1 bag Frozen Onion Rings
Oil for frying

Slice onion in half from root to tip. Reserve half for another purpose, slice remaining half into rings, break apart. Grill onions with a splash of spicy olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Set aside until ready to use.

Drain Jalapeño Peppers on a paper towel, set aside. In a small bowl mix mayonnaise with mustard. Taste and adjust blend as desired with a few drops of hot sauce. Split buns open. Spread Mayonnaise Mixture inside the buns. Set aside.

Heat a cast iorn skillet to mediume-high. Lightly coat the bottom of the skillet with Jalapeño Olive Oil. Grill hot dogs to desired doneness, turning as needed for even cooking. Place grilled dogs inside the buns. Garnish with grilled onions and jalapeño peppers as desired. Wrap dogs in foil, hold in a warm oven until ready to serve.

Heat oil in a deep-sided pan over medium-high heat to 350-degrees. Fry Onion Rings in batches until golden.

Serve the spicy grilled hot dogs with onion rings and enjoy.

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