Top "Dogs" of Frankfurter World
Hot dogs aren't all the same -- even though they may seem that way. What's the best-tasting? What's the best way to eat them?
Sarah Humphreys, executive editor of Real Simple magazine visited "The Early Show" Wednesday to share the "wieners" of its taste tests.
"Real Simple and the food department tasted over 70 different varieties. A lot of hot dogs - a big lunch. We felt OK, but it was a tough go. We have picked the five favorites here," Humphreys told Early Show co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez and Early Show weather anchor and features reporter Dave Price.
More than 50 people took part in Real Simple Magazine's blind taste test.
Real Simple Magazine Taste Test Results:
"If you think hot dog, this is the nation's all-beef hot dog," Humphreys said. "It's really plump and juicy. There is a little hint of garlic and paprika in it."
According to Humphreys, there are major variations in how hot dogs taste.
"This is what we thought was a classic dog that everybody felt like it was what they grew up on," she added.
"It's a little milder and sweeter, so good for kids. It's got a really good bite to it," she said.
"This is something that hasn't been injected with any preservatives or nitrates. It's still fully cooked," Humphreys pointed out. "This really tasted like beef. It's got a much more meaty flavor than the rest of them. Again really juicy and really smoky."
Not everyone has the same taste, so the best picks have a wide variety.
"Everybody has their own dog, "Humphreys said. "I tasted these. We had different favorites. I like the park and beef the best, it's just my opinion. Everybody has their idea of a hot dog. There are different flavor variations."
"This was the best imposter," Humphreys said. "We could not believe it was turkey. It tastes really delicious."
"It's delicious, but I can tell it's not beef," Rodriguez admitted.
"This really does taste like chicken. It's really mild and really clean. What you want to do with this one if you want the full dog experience, really go crazy with the condiments, dress this thing and up taste delicious."
Humphreys also shared hot dogs that represent five different cities.
"We found the best dogs. Now why not go on a country-wide tour? Let's start at home - street car vendor," Humphreys said.
"We have got to end the show, so we can eat!" Price said.