As I was sitting on the deck last night having a glass of wine while Mr. Sweet manned the grill, I was thinking about how very fortunate we are. Just to be doing that. Sitting by a grill, enjoying a great Chardonnay, in a beautiful home, in a country where we are free to do those things. We should never loose sight of the things we are thankful for.

I grew up with a father in the military; A drill sergeant to be exact. That made for an interesting upbringing. 🙂 I have several friends and family members who served, as well as my husband, and now our oldest son Devin. I am so very proud of each and every one of them, and humbled that they devoted so much of their lives to protect…me. So I could sit by the grill last night, have that nice glass of Chardonnay on my deck, and be free to do that. No, it’s not the Fourth of July, or any special holiday, but shouldn’t we be thankful every single day that there are those who devote their lives to our protection and freedom? Yes, I take it personally. I believe we all should. And for the record, I am so very thankful for each and every one of you today and always. You are my hero.

Oh! And what was ON the grill? Hot dogs of course! It doesn’t get any more American than that. 🙂

Grilled Cheddar Hot Dogs with Hard Cider Onions and Candied Jalapenos (Jalopy Jelly)

• 8 Cheddar filled hot dogs, sausage dogs or turkey dogs
• 8 buns
• 2 large onions
• Stone ground mustard
• hot dog chili
• 1 bottle hard cider
• 2 tbsp. butter
• salt & pepper to taste
• Candied Jalapenos or Jalopy Jelly
• Cole slaw for topping optional*

            

In a skillet, add butter, cider, onions, salt & pepper. Allow to cook until onions are crisp tender, about ten minutes. Grill or prepare hot dogs. Place in a warm bun and top with all the fixins including onions. So easy! So good!!

Life is too short to eat ugly food y’all!