Hot Dog Stew

My brother, Carl Piermarini, is a good cook.  This recipe has had many lives.  Everyone in the family makes a version.  I like Carl's version the best.  When I make this, I use Kayem Old Time Franks in natural casings. You can do a vegetarian version using vegetarian hot dogs and vegetarian beans.  The cowboy music is Carl's personal choice but it does seem perfect with this humble dish.

Set your slow cooker to the lowest possible setting (warm is fine).  You can brown the onions and hot dogs the night before if using the slow cooker.  

1 lb.  pkg. beef franks,  {sliced into I/2 inch thick

pieces)

1 med. onion (diced)

1 large can of baked beans

½ cup of ketchup

2 T. olive oil

2 T. butter

I tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

In a large frying pan on medium heat, add the oil, butter and diced onion. Cook onions, stirring occasionally until they start to brown lightly. Add the sliced franks and cook (and stir) until they are browned around the edges. Be careful not to burn franks at this point. Now add the baked beans and the ketchup, stirring until all ingredients are well blended. Add salt and pepper to taste.  Serve with some brown bread, or better yet, corn muffins listening to cowboy music!        Carl Piermarini