After the Circle Pups I had some hot dogs left over so I turned to the Better Homes & Gardens Casserole Cook Book (1967) to test out another frankfurter spectacular. Since I am decidedly indecisive, I let Cleve make the decision. But first I gave him some recipes from which to choose. They were:
- Broiler Bean-er Wiener Loaf
- Chili con Wienie
- Jiffy Cheesefurters
- Saucy Franks
- Wiener Bean Pot
- Wiener Towers
Pretty fantastic, right? But out of towers and loafs and pots, he chose the mundanely named Saucy Franks.
Well, I guess a dish called Saucy Franks would be a stand out in any other cookbook, but the authors of the Better Homes & Gardens were really phenomenal with the fun food monikers.
But Saucy Franks it was. I thought this recipe was a bit odd. Why would you serve weenies with rice? Amiright? I saw this more as a on-a-bun-meal (so did Cleve), which was confirmed while flipping through another BH&G cookbook, So-Good Meals (yeah, that’s where I found the Easter dinner).
So, Saucy Franks No. 1 and Saucy Franks No. 2, although they share a name, are a bit different. This one’s more like a Pittsburgh Chipped Chop Ham BBQ.
I made Saucy Franks No. 1 but it was sooooooooooo sweet that I added the vinegar from Saucy Franks No. 2. But that was too strong. What to do? I considered adding the other ingredients to make the franks more like a Chipped Ham BBQ–but would pineapple juice jibe with relish and Worcestershire sauce?
Ultimately I decided to keep it the way it was.
And ultimately I learned that Saucy Franks No.1 was indeed intended to be on rice because it tasted like Sweet & Sour Chicken–but without the fluffy breading. And the chicken.
I made Sweet & Sour Weenies. Blah.
So here they are in all their glory. Saucy Franks! I think they look like entrails. Or some sort of weird parasite. Barf.
But I threw one on a hot dog bun and gave it to Cleve and he was happy with it. But he’s like a dog, he’ll eat just about anything. There’s no accounting for taste, I guess.
I did not have my Saucy Frank on a bun because I dropped my assembled dinner onto the kitchen floor. Hence why I do not have a finished product photo.
I’m still pissed I didn’t get any onion rings.
We ate saucy franks all the time as kids growing up and I make them for my kids now (they still eat them up and love them). We sliced up the hot dogs and served the dogs and sauce over cooked egg noodles. It can be sweet tasting for some but our recipe uses vinegar as well so there is a pretty good balance. It really does bring back a lot of childhood memories for me.
I agree, the franks look a little like entrails in a weird sort of way. I applaud your courage. I don’t think I would have attempted these. 🙂
The process of (recipe) elimination just isn’t easy – but someone’s got to do it. For your sacrifice we thank you!
I do it for my country. I’m doing just as much for freedom as the Armed Forces 😉
Girl, someone’s got to say it….saucy franks is a world of wrong.
I’m going to have you over for Chili con Wienie.
You know I’m a huge fan of your blog and I’m personally a huge opponent of censorship of any form. But if there’s ever a candidate for a book burning, this casserole cookbook may be near the top.
Totally agree with Jenny–Jiffy Cheesefurters would have been the way to go. What was Cleve thinking?
Your mistake was going with Saucy Franks #1 instead of number 2, as the number 2 recipe clearly states “they’re terrific.” You’ll notice there is no statement of quality for the recipe you chose.
Or heck, you probably should have just made Cleve’s Hotburgers™ and been done with it.
I am laughing out loud here in London. I think I would have chosen Jiffy Cheesefurters – ha ha!
I am holding you personally accountable for the fact that I just spent £18 on the awesome object at the top of these three items – http://coolvintage.weebly.com/kitchen.html
I can’t wait!
Oh and by the way. I am seriously considering launching a range of Silver Screen Suppers recipe cards…
JX
Holy crap. I am so envious. I want that box!
And don’t worry, I have another pack of hot dogs in the fridge, I am sure that more frankfurter creations will be made very soon.
And yes, you should have your own set of recipe cards.
I wonder if anyone really ate these things back in its day. We didn’t, but I hate to ruin a good 1960’s story. This reminds me of a SPAM recipe from the days when SPAM was just a meat. I believe families probably had more time then, then they do now to cook, but we had never heard of a lot of food items that are now thought as “must haves” in the culinary armamentarium. (I’m not sure that’s a word, but it should be.)
I’m starting to get a little concerned about your diet….