If you read yesterday’s Times, you doubtless caught the headline: “Salad Blog Weighs In On Health Care; Debate Ends Immediately With High-Fives All Around.” You’re welcome, America. Sorry it took me until last Thursday to finally tell everyone what’s what, but I kind of hoped things would sort themselves out without my intervention. Apparently not. But to celebrate, I’m spending my 21st day with Mark Bittman’s revolutionary imagination in the nation’s First City.
What happens when your Chicago hot dog falls apart: Toss together tomato wedges, chopped pickles, hot peppers, shredded lettuce and a few slices of broiled or grilled hot dog. Dress with a vinaigrette made with mustard (should be yellow for authenticity, but …) and celery salt. (You could throw in freshly made croutons; inauthentic, but better than a hot dog bun.)
Bittman's Salad of Summer #78: Chicago Hot Dog
If we were to rank this salad on the “good idea” scale—ranging from one (1) to health care reform (♥)—this would probably fall somewhere near space travel (↑) or the White Album ( ). Mr. Bittman, I realize you will probably never read this, but I need to say it: I think you’re really cool.
This is the mustard vinaigrette recipe I used:
1 glove of garlic, smashed
2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
5-6 tablespoons oil (vegetable, corn, canola, olive or some combination)
pinch of dried parsley
pinch of dried thyme
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Other than that, no particular recommendations. I’m pretty sure that whatever you do to this beautiful beast, it will be a wonderful salad experience.
