Manchego Cheese and Garlic Hot Dogs

Makes 6 servings

For the relish:

*2 large heads garlic, top 1/2 inch (1.2 cm) cut off

*5 tsp (25 mL) extra-virgin olive oil, divided

*1/2 cup (125 mL) roasted red pepper from a jar, drained and diced

*1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh parsley

*Coarse kosher salt and black pepper to taste

For the hotdogs:

*6 grilled regular or whole-wheat hotdog buns or 2 1/2-inch (12-cm) wide pieces ciabatta cut to hotdog length and split lengthwise

*6 grilled all-beef hotdogs

*2 oz (60 g) Manchego or hot pepper cheese

*Sherry wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar

To prepare the relish: Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Place each head of garlic, cut side up, in centre of square of foil; drizzle each with 1 tsp (5 mL) oil. Enclose garlic in foil. Place packets on oven rack; roast until garlic is tender, about 30 minutes. Open packets and let garlic cool.

Squeeze garlic cloves into a small bowl. Mash enough to measure 1/4 cup (60 mL). Keep remaining garlic for another use. Transfer to bowl. Mix in 3 tsp (15 mL) oil, red pepper and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.

Arrange the hotdog buns on plates. Place a hotdog in each bun. Top with cheese, garlic relish and a drizzle of vinegar.

Approximate nutrition per serving: 375 calories, 22 grams fat, 14 g protein, 32 g carbohydrates, 2 g fibre

-- Bon Appetit, July 2009

Tip of the Day

A reader who eats a lot of salads wants to know the right way to clean lettuce to ensure that it is safe.

Don't wash lettuce until you are ready to use it. It will deteriorate rapidly if you wash it and then try to store it for more than a day or so.

Keep unwashed lettuce wrapped in the crisper (a perforated or loose plastic bag will do).

To clean it, fill a sink with cold water, place your lettuce leaves in it and brush off any dirt, or hold the leaves under cold running water, then spin them dry or pat them dry on a towel.

Once the leaves are cleaned and dried, pop them back into the refrigerator until just before serving, to keep them crisp.

Do you have a question about an ingredient or cooking technique? We'll find the answer for Tip of the Day. Call 905-526-3450 or e-mail gofood@thespec.com