Cooking Light with Rachael Ray: Cubano Hot Dogs

The words "hot dog" and "healthy eating" typically don't fall into the same sentence. Rarely do we have them at our house; with the exception of the occasional backyard cookout or Jimmy Buffett tailgate. Really, the only time a hot dog sounds good to me is at a sporting event (Redskins games, baseball games...you get the picture). I need to be in the right kinda mood. So when I saw these Cubano Hot Dogs on the Rachael Ray Show last week, I was surprised at my pull to try them out! What I like most about this recipe is how the chilies, mustard and pickle bring a punch of flavor to what could be a tasteless, low-fat frank.

CUBANO HOT DOGS
Makes 8

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 fat free hot dogs  (Hebrew National 97% FAT FREE)
• 8 good quality hot dog rolls (whole wheat if you can find them)
• Yellow mustard
• 1 small 4 ounce can of pickled jalapenos (hot) or green chilies (mild), drained well and finely chopped  
• 8 slices low -fat deli ham
• 8 thin slices FAT FREE Swiss cheese  (Try Borden Fat Free Slices)
• 8 homemade or store bought pickle spears

DIRECTIONS:

• Heat griddle pan or cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Split dogs lengthwise and open them up like a book, grill them up until crispy on both sides.
• Preheat the broiler.
• Arrange split rolls on a baking sheet. Top rolls with lots of mustard, chopped chilies, ham and Swiss cheese, broil just long enough to melt the cheese.
• Place Dogs on top of melted cheese in rolls and fill the crevice with a pickle spear.

RESULTS:
It's not gourmet folks...it's just a hot dog. But for what it's worth, it really was pretty good! If you have ever had fat free hot dogs, then you know they just don't really compare to the real thing. However, dress it up with some chilies, mustard, ham, cheese and a crunchy pickle; now you have got something great! Next time you are feelin' the urge for a simple, classic meal the whole family will love, consider these Cubano Hot Dogs. Cook-out season is quickly approaching. How about adding a little something sassy to your ordinary hot dog?

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving): 225 calories;  3g fat;  31 carbohydrate; 19g protein; .7g fiber

SAVES: 230 calories & 25g fat

*PRINT-FRIENDLY*

**Recipe inspired by Rachael Ray. Find original recipe here.