When it comes to hot dogs, I’m pretty picky. I generally stick to all-beef dogs from the ballpark or straight off the grill (or, when trying a “famous” hotdog).
When the folks at Arnold/Orowheat suggested recreating one of the foods we tried on the Chicago Tastebud Tour, I automatically thought of the Chicago Red Hot I had at Halsted Street Deli: Vienna All Beef Hot Dog, on a Steamed Bun, topped with Mustard, Relish, Onions, Pickle, Tomato, Celery Salt & Sport Peppers.
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The only problem with recreating this was…I knew I couldn’t mess with what I already considered to be perfection!
Enter: my sweet tooth. My version of a hot dog is anything but traditional, but I’m pretty sure it will make your tummy and your taste buds happy. Oh, and it may be on the healthier side too 
Sweet Banana-Date Dog.
To make this dog you’ll need:
- 1 Arnold Fill’em (I used whole wheat)
- 1 banana
- 1 tsp almond or peanut butter
- 2 dried dates, halved long-ways
- 2 slices of peach
- 1/2 ounce walnuts, chopped
- 1 tsp honey
- cinnamon
1. First, create the “relish.” In a bowl, combine the chopped walnuts and honey.
2. Next, slice the banana long-ways and “grill” on a stovetop pan (a George Foreman-like grill would work great as well) for about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Place the opened Fill-em bun (open side down) over the banana and cover for a few minutes to steam.
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4. While the “dog” is still warm, drizzle on the nut butter (the mustard). Spread the walnut relish on other side.
5. Add the sliced peaches (the pickle), and dates (the peppers). Sprinkle with cinnamon (the celery salt).
There you have it! The Chicago Red Hot hot dog redefined. I skipped a few ingredients (tomato and onion), but my version just didn’t need anything else. It’s that good
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Things got a little bit messy, but I didn’t mind 
The combination of the warm banana, crunchy walnuts, and chewy dates is to die. YUM!
- If you were to recreate the Red Hot hot dog, what would it include?
- What are your favorite (regular) hot dog toppings?
best hot dog I’ve ever seen !!
I usually don’t roll with regular old hot dogs but this is one hot dog I can get on board with!
Mmm looks delicious
I HAVE to try this! I’m vegan so it will be a good protein-packed lunch for moi!
Wow you are so creative! I need to make that! That would totally satisfy my sweet tooth!
Oh yum. That looks amazing!
This is the only hot dog I’d ever eat. Yum! I think I’d cut the banana so it was two flat slices, thus preventing rolling.
Its a dessert hot dog! You could have the all beef one first and then your creation. Love your creativity to do a hot dog like that.
My only complaint about this is that it looks like it could use a little more nut butter. I just love mustard
I’m with you, it’s all about the all-beef hot dogs for me - but this version definitely gives those a run for their money. YUM!
Hot dog is right. Hot diggity dog. That’s a terrific idea. Move over sandwich, we don’t need those buns anymore.
Very creative!
I’m a BIG fan of the tofu SmartDogs and love to add onions and plenty of mustard!
That looks awesome. I must re-create. Hot dog condiments for me would be a simple mustard + relish combo.
LOVING this idea!
I am bananas over your twist on the classic hot dog
It looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing!
You might be the most creative person I’ve ever met, and if you don’t win the contest, I’m going to be sorely disappointed. The end.
scrumptious!! once in a ridiculous state of drunkenness i actually ate a hot dog, or wait, maybe a sausage dog with CREAM CHEESE and grilled onions. wtf.
SHHHHHH i loved it.
Your sweet version looks delicious- I love all the ingredients:-).
I’m a big fan of plain ole ketchup and mustard on my (veggie) dogs.
I don’t eat hot dogs AND I’m from Chicago, Crazy right? But when I DID eat hot dogs, I only ate Kosher versions. With simply mustard and grilled onions.
That PB hot dog looks great tho…
That’s such a creative new way to eat a hot dog!! I love just regular hot dogs with ketchup. I’m kind of plain but you just can’t go wrong if it’s a good hot dog.
Now that is my idea of a hot dog!
I haven’t had a real hot dog in so long that I can’t even remember if I like them or not! Ketchup, mustard and onions would probably be my ideal toppings though.
Woah, that is the most creative/extravagant PB “hot dog” that I’ve seen yet! Sounds d-e-lish.
Hot dogs are what I call my ‘gross food’, the food I think is gross in concept..but so good in the taste department! I found some good vegan dogs and like using them as a once in awhile treat.
A hot dog I’ll actually eat! Wow!
Mmmmm. Mmmmm. MMMMMMM! That looks absolutely delicious - I never even thought of a banana hot dog!
Woah, the banana hot dog looks incredible. Gracie your recipes always rock in our book
You probably already know this, but I was just reading on another blog that Arnold&Oroweat is sponsoring a contest to create a Chicago-inspired meal using one of their productions. You should totally submit this banana-dog idea!!
Yep - this was my entry!