Versatile Frankfurters for Graduation Celebrations

When you’re planning a swim party for the graduate in your home, you’ll want to prepare something special and good tasting that will suit the finicky teens’ taste buds. Consider frankfurters. They’ve long been a childhood favorite and they can be dressed up with a variety of toppings or served “au naturel” with a squirt of mustard, catsup or pickle relish.

Our suggested embellishments team some traditional frankfurter condiments with some unlikely partners. Use as much or as little of any ingredient as you like, then place in decorative containers on the table with plenty of spoons, thongs and spatulas.

Boil or grill the frankfurters ahead of time so the party guests can build their own frankfurters and place them on a foil-lined barbecue grill (or under a broiler) to heat. Meanwhile, you sit back and enjoy the results.

Here is a selection of topping ideas for a backyard celebration:

SAUERKRAUT DOG: Heat sauerkraut with caraway seeds, 1 chopped dill pickle and 1/4 teaspoon sugar.

HAWAIIAN DOG: Combine crushed pineapple, prepared sweet and sour sauce and chopped green peppers.

GREEK DOG: Spread with chopped olives, top with dollop of sour cream, onion dip or yogurt.

TWIN CHEESE DOG: Mix shredded Cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle over frankfurter and heat until cheese melts.

SALAD DOG: Top with shredded lettuce, chopped green onions, celery and tomato. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon favorite salad dressing.

DALLAS DOG: Top generously with chili, sprinkle with onions and finely shredded Cheddar cheese.

SWISS REUBEN DOG: Wrap frankfurter in slice of Swiss cheese and place in center of bun. Top with serving of sauerkraut, drizzle with 1 teaspoon Thousand Island dressing and broil until cheese melts.

PIZZA DOG: Top generously with prepared pizza sauce, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and broil until cheese melts.

VEGETABLE DOG: Combine your favorite raw vegetables, sliced thinly. Top with alfalfa sprouts and sprinkle with celery seeds.

CHINESE DOG: Combine 1 part Chinese mustard and 1 part prepared sweet and sour sauce. Drizzle over hot dog and garnish with crisp noodles, bean or alfalfa sprouts.

NACHO DOG: Mix together equal amounts of taco sauce and processed cheese spread. Spoon over frankfurter. Heat until cheese begins to melt. Sprinkle with choice of chopped onions, green or jalapeno peppers, chopped tomato or shredded lettuce.

HOBO DOG: Cover frankfurter in bun with heated pork and beans, sprinkle with chopped onions and shredded Cheddar cheese.

TROPICAL DOG: Mix drained, crushed pineapple with orange marmalade or currant jelly. Spread over frankfurter. Top with pecan bits or sprinkle with coconut, or both.

CARROT DOG: Combine 1/2 cup finely shredded carrot with 1 tablespoon crushed pineapple. Spread along length of frankfurter. Sprinkle with celery seeds.