Thursday, January 15, 2015

Southern Slaw Dogs - Florida Style



I grew up right in the heart of central Florida, but I now LIVE right in the heart of central Missouri!  This time of year, I ESPECIALLY miss "home" more than ever.  Probably it has something to do with the winter lasting so LONG, that trees are just gray sticks this time of year, and of course there is ice, snow, cold, gray, and very little sunshine.  But, I would have to say it also has to do with not only weather, but differences in food and family.  Pretty much, I just miss everything about being HOME.

When we moved here from Florida back in the day, we didn't make much of the difference in how Missourians ate compared to our native Florida.  But as I age I really miss the meals available to me that I have associated with certain memories.  One of those memories is that I always remember the lunches we had when I was growing up.  First of all, we NEVER at out.  Lunch involved either peanut, butter & jelly (no potato chips), hot dogs and pork -n beans, tuna or egg salad sandwiches.  

When we had hot dogs, my mom ALWAYS had slaw for them.  Seems like most people ate "slaw dogs" where I come from, whether at home or in a restaurant.  Slaw just was always available as a condiment for your hot dog.  But definitely don't order anything like that around central Missouri.  Been there, done that!  LOL.

In addition to my mom's delicious slaw for dogs, I have a favorite little dive restaurant in my home town in Florida.  It's called "Dairy Ranch".  Yep, years ago someone bought an old Dairy Queen building and reopened as "Dairy Ranch".  It's been there as long as I can remember and every time I'm "home", it is one of the first places I go for lunch. Dairy Ranch isn't big on atmosphere but the food is great!  The same little lady has been working there since the beginning of time and I'm sure she is related to the owner.  The bathrooms?  They're around back and you have to ask for a key LOL. Their specialty is delicious burgers, fries, onion rings, soft serve ice cream, and SLAW DOGS!  The buns are toasted, the dogs are salty and the slaw is perfect.  

Last night my husband was out at his bowling league and for supper I decided to treat myself to a little bit of slaw dog heaven.  It was delicious!  I definitely wanted to make sure that I posted this recipe as it is one of my favorite foods to eat in the ENTIRE world!  Crazy, I know.  It was ALMOST like being home.  Without the Florida weather, right?

You should know this isn't regular cole slaw.  There is no vinegar in this slaw.  It's just a combination of finely, hand grated cabbage, some mayo and mustard.  That's it.  It's thick and serves as the perfect topping for a salty dog on a toasty bun, slathered in ketchup and mustard.  Mmmmm-Mmm!

Since I can't go to Florida to visit, here's how I make my own SLAW DOGS - At Home My way:

Slaw for Dogs (Central Florida Style)
  • 2 cups (approximately) green cabbage - finely grated with a hand grater (not bagged slaw mix-it won't work right)  
  • 2 rounded Tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 rounded teaspoon yellow prepared mustard


Instructions:

Grate the cabbage on a regular hand held grater.  Use the side that you grate cheese with.

Stir/combine with the mustard and mayonnaise.

Now, to make a SLAW DOG:

  • Place hot dog in a toasted or untoasted hot dog bun
  • Top with big mounds of slaw.
  • Add some ketchup and mustard.
  • Get plenty of napkins.  It's gonna get a little messy...

Some memories along for the ride here:



This is my favorite Dairy Ranch meal - fresh from Central Florida!  Their onion rings are to-die-for!!!!


My uncle C and me!  We love Dairy Ranch and took this
picture right in the booth when I was there in October!  "Selfie, Uncle C!  Smile!"



Enjoy!


Gina