Gambling and Hot Dog Burritos

As I was making lunch today, I laughed at this crazy little dish I make on occasion. I realized I learned this particular recipe from someone random, and since it is random in and of itself, it's the perfect post. Who else makes these? It's just the thing I want to jot down. I am not a huge fan of processed foods, but let's be clear, I don't totally avoid them either. I mean it is hard to beat American cheese when making a grilled cheese. But I did decide a few years ago to stop buying hotdogs as a staple for use as a "back up" menu item. I don't always have them around like I have in the past, so when my mom brought a package over and I saw them in the fridge today, I knew it would be the perfect quick, filler lunch. Recipe: The Hot Dog Burrito.

1 hot dog, sliced lengthwise

1 half slice American cheese

1 tortilla

 Viola!

Thanks for proving my point Gray, reaching for it mid-photo

Where, pray tell, did I get this family favorite? Here comes the story...
My parents divorced when I was 8 and my dad remarried when I was around 10 (I think). My dad and stepmom lived in Vista, CA and her parents lived close by in Oceanside. When we would go spend the summers with them, my sister and I would spent an occasional afternoon with my stepmother's parents house. While there we learned how to play all different kinds of poker, how to gamble (with pennies and popcorn), and how to make the hot dog burrito. It was a staple at their house. I am not sure if it was what they kept on hand as "children food" or if it made the rounds in their regular menu planning, but either way, we ate it often.

Thanks Thorpes, for teaching me how to make a meal in a pinch--a "meal" my children love way more than the food I make that takes all  day. My kids are even more grateful than I am for this one.

And thanks for teaching me poker. Truthfully, it has been of great use at parties and social events and not something anyone on my side of the family could/would have taught me!