Feeding a picky eater often has less to do with hunger and more to do with predictability. Texture matters. Color matters. The order foods touch on the plate matters more than most adults expect. That is one reason the humble hot dog has such staying power in family kitchens. It is familiar, mild, quick to cook, and easy to portion. More important, it adapts well. A hot dog can stay plain for the child who wants nothing unexpected, or it can serve as a bridge
A great hot dog can be ruined by a weak bun faster than most people realize. The sausage gets the attention, the toppings get the personality, but the bun decides whether the whole thing holds together or falls apart in your hands after two bites. A bun that is too soft turns gummy under mustard and relish. A bun that is too dry cracks at the hinge. A bun that is toasted well does something better than either extreme. It stays tender inside, lightly crisp at