Corn Dogs

My youngest son is the Hot Dog King.  And since his third birthday was Saturday, he got his choice for dinner.  Corn Dogs were on the menu, but rather than buying the frozen variety, I opted to make some from scratch!  These turned out much better than expected, and while a little time consuming in my countertop fryer, they were worth it as a special occasion.  After a fun day riding the Metro and visiting the Zoo, my little birthday boy was ready to chow down on corn dogs, macaroni and cheese, and applesauce!  Not bad menu planning for a three year-old!!

2 2/3 cups yellow cornmeal

1 1/3 cups flour, plus more for rolling

3 tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

salt and pepper

4 eggs, beaten

1 1/2 cups milk

vegetable or peanut oil, for frying

12 hot dogs

ketchup and mustard, for serving

Whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper.  Stir in eggs and milk (this will be about 5 cups batter).  Fill a large pot or deep fryer with enough oil to submerge hotdogs and heat to 360 degrees.

While oil is heating, pat hot dogs dry and insert a 10-inch wooden skewer through each.  Roll in flour to coat.  Dip a hotdog into the batter, turning until completely coated.  I've found that the easiest way is to pour some of the batter into a tall water glass, then, using the skewers, dip each hot dog.  Holding it by the skewer, carefully add each hot dog to the hot oil.  Repeat with remaining hot dogs.

Cook corn dogs, turning with tongs to cook evenly, until deep golden brown, 5-7 minutes for each.  Transfer to a paper towel-lined platter, turning to blot oil.  Serve warm, with ketchup and mustard.

Serves 12.

Recipe adapted from Martha's American Food, by Martha Stewart.