A few years ago there was a debate that left the internet divided - is a hot dog a sandwich or not?

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I admit that the thought hadn't even crossed my mind until I stumbled on the post and then I couldn't stop thinking about it. On one hand, I've always thought that anything served enveloped in bread would obviously be considered a sandwich. On the other hand, I had a hard time wrapping my head around the idea that this might mean a hot dog is a sandwich.

Whether you believe a hot dog is a sandwich or not, you probably feel pretty strongly about what toppings you put on yours. Some people go with ketchup, mustard, and relish while others, like my son, love ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. And then there's the matter of whether or not to also add diced onions or chili or even sauerkraut.

In my house, I serve my hot dogs in a pretty unconventional way and I know as soon as I tell you what I do that you'll crinkle your nose and probably not be able to bite your tongue and will tell me that I've lost it, but this is just something you're going to have to trust me about.

Before we were married, when we worked on the outskirts of Philadelphia, my husband and I used to go on dates to a hot dog restaurant and that's where I was introduced to the Los Angeles dog. Before I tell you how to make the L.A. dog, I need to make sure to remind you of the importance of using a good quality hot dog for optimal flavor. Our hot dog of choice is Hebrew National Beef Franks.

You’ll need:
1 cucumber (diced)
1 avocado (cut into short, thin strips)
2 plum tomatoes (sliced)
¼ cup of ranch dressing
½ teaspoon of celery salt

Directions: If you can, go with a poppy seed bun. It won't ruin the hot dog if you can't find one, but they enhance the flavor. Next, place two slices of avocado on either side of the bun and spoon a touch of ranch dressing on the bottom of the bun. Place the hot dog on the randy and between the avocado. Spead diced cucumber on top of the hot dog and then lay two thin slices of tomato on top of the hot dog and cucumber. Top the tomatoes with some ranch dressing and sprinkle celery salt to taste on top of the entire thing.

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