Hot Dog!

My mother-in-law planned a fun summer party for about 200 people in her yard about a week ago. It was super fun! Don't you love those Chinese lanterns hanging in their yard?

I was in charge of helping with the hot dog toppings -- I really wanted to make a fun hot dog bar so here are the things I came up with (besides the usual ketchup, relish, and mustard!):

• sauerkraut
• guacamole
• pickle spears
• chopped red onion
• pickled jalapeno slices
• my mother-in- law had a pot of chili and a pot of nacho cheese
• coleslaw (here's a good recipe) --yep, put it right on your hot dog -- DELICIOUS!
• my brother-in-law Chris's famous cilantro, jalapeno, and onion mix (the bowl right in the middle of the picture below) It was a hit. Here's how you make it:

Chris's Jalapeno, Cilantro, and Onion Mix
(I think that's what you call it!)

fresh jalapenos, diced*
onion, diced
cilantro cut into small pieces

saute the jalapeno and onion in a small amount of olive oil until almost tender, add the cilantro and stir it all together - ta da! (add some salt, too)

*Wear some gloves while you're chopping the jalapenos. I didn't and my hands were burning for hours. (pioneer woman had a warning about this -- Jen told me about it when I called her in pain and misery!)