Avocado mayo serves up perfect topper for hot dog

The picture caught my eye — and my taste buds. One look at the photograph of the Patagonia Hot Dog and I knew I wanted that to land on my plate.

That's the power of visuals. The photo was in a cookbook, but had that hot dog been displayed on a picnic table, I would have been as hungry and ready to indulge.

It's a reminder that small additions have a big impact.

In this case it wasn't simply the hot dog (always a favorite, early on in the grilling season), though even high-quality meat makes a difference. Toss that on a grill and, short of burning it, you have a winner.

The toppings, though, had my attention: avocado mayo (like a variation on guacamole), cilantro, tomatoes, onions and sauerkraut. This was a meal in a bun (a toasted bun, I should note, that actually fit the hot dog).

It's worth remembering, as we expand our grilling repertoire, that sometimes it's the embellishments that differentiate the good from the great. A hot dog is a hot dog, until you add the extras. So make sure there are extras.

Makes 8.

• 1 avocado, roughly chopped

• 1/3 c. mayonnaise

• 1/2 to 1 jalapeño chile pepper, seeded and chopped

• 1 tbsp. chopped shallot

• 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

• 8 best-quality all-beef hot dogs with natural casings (slightly longer than the buns)

• 8 hot dog buns, split

• 16 oz. sauerkraut

• 1/4 c. roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves

• 1/4 c. finely chopped red onion

Directions

In a food processor, combine the avocado, mayo, chile pepper, shallot, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Purée until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until needed.

Prepare grill for direct cooking over medium heat (350 to 450 degrees). Cut a few well-spaced diagonal shallow slashes crosswise along one side of each hot dog.

Generously spread the avocado mayo inside each bun. (Any unused amount will keep in a covered bowl in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.) Place a hot dog in each bun and add some sauerkraut, tomatoes, cilantro and onion. Serve warm.

Nutrition information per hot dog:

Calories415Fat27 gSodium1,270 mg

Carbohydrates30 gSaturated fat8 gTotal sugars7 g

Protein12 gCholesterol35 mgDietary fiber4 g