Grilled Bacon Wrapped Cheese Dogs with BBQ'd Onions

How to Make

• Step 1: Onions ... Add the onions, a pinch of saltand pepper to a non-stick (preferred) saute pan on medium heat, and slowly render the onions until they are golden brown (about 8-12 minutes). If you render them slowly, you will not need to add any oil. You want the onions to be lightly caramelized and golden brown.

• Step 2: Sauce ... Add the BBQ sauce to the onions (start with 2 tablespoons, you can always add more. It is really up to you as the consistency. You may like more sauce vs more onions - there is no right or wrong.

• Step 3: Hot Dogs ... As the onions cook, prepare the hot dogs. Slice the hot dog lengthwise, but not all the way through, stuff with the cheese, and wrap with a slice of the bacon using toothpics to secure both ends. I find that the store bought bacon, although good, is often too thin and tears; I get mine from a local butcher, thin sliced; it holds together really well. I just get 8 slices, and it ends up being cheaper than the grocery store bacon - but either works. Wrap the hot dog, and set to the side. Also, cutting the cheese in small cubes works better than shredded cheese; it doesn't melt as quick which prevents all the cheese from 'oozing' out.

• Step 4: Grill ... These are really best on an outside grill or inside grill pan. A saute pan will work, but you don't get the same results. Grill until the dog/bacon is golden brown and crisp on all sides, this is why you want a thin sliced bacon; a thick sliced bacon will NOT crisp up. On an outside grill, I grill over indirect heat at first so the bacon doesn't burn, and then move to direct heat, and grill until the bacon is crisp.

• Step 5: Serve ... Toast the buns (if you want); add some of the BBQ'd onions, and top with the dog. You can also add ketchup, mustard, relish, sauerkraut, coleslaw; or any other favorites if you want.

• Step 6: ENJOY! Fries, onion rings, potato salad, corn on the cob, etc ... Your favorites! Even though this is a more like a summer BBQ, these are great during the winter months too, and great for a game day get together, tailgating; and a card or movie night.