Frankfurters Quick and Easy Snack for Kids

Frankfurters microwave easily and superbly. And that’s great news for anyone with young children who can’t get their fill or for children who love fixing their own frankfurters with all the trimmings.

But the best news is that you can heat frankfurters quickly--either in their buns or out. For best results, follow these guidelines.

--Because frankfurters vary in size, composition and fat content, check after minimum recommended heating time (being fully cooked, frankfurters only need to be brought to serving temperature).

--Pierce or slash frankfurters as directed to keep them from bursting.

--Ignore whistling/popping noises as frankfurters microwave; it’s just air expanding and escaping.

--If you need frankfurters for a crowd, cook in batches of 10 (larger batches won’t heat evenly).

--When adding frankfurters to casseroles, cut in thirds and bury them in the casserole mixture so they won’t overcook or heat unevenly.

HOW TO MICROWAVE

FRANKFURTERS

WITHOUT BUNS

Choose average-sized frankfurters (9 to 10 per pound), pierce with fork or slash diagonally 4 to 5 times. Arrange on plate or coated paper plate, cover with wax paper and microwave as follows, rearranging at half-time if cooking more than 2 frankfurters. Ends overcook quickly, so watch carefully.

NUMBER OF FRANKFURTERS/TIME ON HIGH (100% power)

1.......................30 to 35 seconds

2.......................45 to 55 seconds

4.......................1 1/4 to 1 1/2 minutes

6.......................2 to 2 1/2 minutes

8.......................3 to 3 1/2 minutes

10......................4 1/2 to 5 1/2 minutes

HOW TO MICROWAVE FRANKFURTERS IN BUNS

Choose average-sized frankfurters (9 to 10 per pound), pierce with fork and slip into buns. Wrap individually in paper towels or napkins and microwave as follows, turning over at 1/2 time if cooking more than 2 frankfurters.

NUMBER OF FRANKFURTERS/TIME ON HIGH (100% power)

1............................40 seconds

2............................1 to 1 1/4 min.

4............................1 1/2 to 2 1/2 minutes

6............................3 to 3 1/2 minutes

8............................4 1/2 to 5 1/2 minutes

10...........................6 to 7 minutes

Variations:

Kraut ‘n’ Frankfurters: Place frankfurters in buns, top each with scant 1/4 cup sauerkraut, wrap and microwave as directed, allowing extra 5 seconds per frank.

Cheese Frankfurters: Split frankfurters lengthwise, but not clear through, tuck rolled slice of American or sharp Cheddar cheese spread with mild yellow mustard into each, place in buns, wrap and microwave as directed until cheese melts.

Pizza Frankfurters: Split frankfurters lengthwise, but not clear through, spread each with 1 to 2 tablespoons tomato sauce and top with 2 tablespoons each chopped pepperoni and coarsely grated mozzarella. Place in buns, wrap and microwave as directed until cheese melts.

HOW TO COOK FRANKFURTERS IN WATER

This is the best way to cook frankfurters in quantity. Choose average-sized frankfurters (9 to 10 per pound), pierce and place in casserole large enough to hold them in single layer. Add 1/2 cup hot water, cover with vented plastic wrap and microwave as follows, rotating casserole 180 degrees and rearranging frankfurters at 1/2 time if cooking more than four.

NUMBER OF

FRANKFURTERS/TIME ON

HIGH (100% power)

4...............................2 to 3 minutes

6...............................3 to 4 minutes

8...............................4 to 5 minutes

10..............................6 to 7 minutes

Variation:

Frank ‘n Bean Pot: In 2-quart casserole mix 2 (2-pound) cans baked beans, 2 tablespoons molasses, 2 tablespoons catsup and 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard. Bury 1 pound cold frankfurters, cut in thirds, in beans, cover with wax paper and microwave on HIGH 10 to 12 minutes, stirring at half time and again pushing frankfurters under beans, until bubbly. Stir again and serve. Makes 6 servings.

Note: In ovens of less than 600 watts, cooking time must be increased by about 15%.