Chili Cheese Dogs

In my book, there's nothing better than a chili cheese dog. I'm outing myself, I know. But it's true--simple, quick and oh, so satisfying any time of year. And it's such a basic menu item--a pot of your favorite chili, plus hot dogs, lid on and simmered for 10 minutes. Voila! Add bun and cheese of choice. Dee-lish.

For years I made my chili the quick-and-dirty way: a pound of ground beef plus one jar of chili sauce. No beans. And though I still occasionally make it that way, nowadays I prefer to make it chock full of black beans for added fiber. These dogs were dribbled with some queso cheese sauce for a little added zing. Perfect for noshing while watching one of our summer tv favorites: So You Think You Can Dance.