Hot Dogs: Hold the BunsThe stale scent of sweat, dirt and the glistening steam of a freshly cooked hot dog waiting to be devoured beckons fans when they enter a sports arena or field. The hot dog is one of America's most famous appetizers, whether this cured meat is consumed during a sporting event, a picnic or a family lunch; but for me this versatile connection with the frankfurter is more significant. Growing up, my paternal grandmother must have cooked dozens of hot dogs to satisfy my midday cravings as a child, and the memory of Grandma serving this meal will thrive. Serve the boiled hot dog on a plate stained with pasta sauce; it was always accompanied by a side of buttered egg noodles and a pickle. But why is this meal so important? Isn't the hot dog a common household food that people consume every day? Without a doubt, the hot dog is a common product that thousands of people buy and eat at football games and at home. The hot dog is a traditional dish of American culture; but for me, the compressed cylindrical piece of meat along with a plate of noodles and a pickle remind me that this meal is truly a delicacy. Hot dogs are considered a universal theme for ball games or recreational sports because they are simple to cook and economical. At any baseball game, a spectator is expected to consider purchasing a freshly cooked hot dog from the nearest vendor and sit down to enjoy a home run or touchdown from the stands. Mustard, ketchup, salsa or onion, the condiments complete the work of art as you prepare to take your first bite into the story. Unbeknownst to many, the hot dog is not native to America, but there have been multiple claims from different countries about the origin of this meat product. The frankfu...... middle of paper ......and some Pepsi or fruit juice. Breaking bread is a universal language and tradition for families and friends around the world, and there is nothing more satisfying than enjoying another's company during a meal. My grandmother preparing my meal, cutting my food and pouring my juice was a way of showing her affection. Honoring your tradition is endearing, and food always brings families together and keeps memories alive. Works Cited In Memory's Kitchen. Northvale: Jason Aronson, 2006. Print.Santiago, Esmeralda. "Guaves." When I was Puerto Rican. And. . Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley, 1993. 3-4.Tan, Amy. "Fish Cheeks". The opposite of destiny: a book of reflections. And. . New York, NY: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2003. 125-127. "Hot Dogs: Hot Dog History and Legends." What America is cooking. Network. February 20. 2010. .