Royal Hyde Park Cookout Hot Dogs
Hot frankfurter sausages in soft buns, condiments at will: the very symbol of American conviviality, elevated to a diplomatic gesture by Roosevelt.
Hot frankfurter sausages in soft buns, condiments at will: the very symbol of American conviviality, elevated to a diplomatic gesture by Roosevelt.
When Their Majesties King George and the Queen came to Hyde Park, in that summer of '39, my mother was horrified that I would serve hot dogs to a sovereign! But I held firm: nothing like an American picnic, a hot sausage in its bun, to show our English cousins the true face of this country. The King, I was told, gladly had seconds, and the photograph went around the world. Believe me, diplomacy sometimes passes better through the stomach than through chancelleries.
- •Frankfurter sausages — one per guest, at least (base)
- •Long hot dog buns — the same number (support)
- •American yellow mustard — as desired (condiment)
- •Cold beer — to accompany adults (accompanying drink)
Royal Hyde Park Cookout Hot Dogs
Hot frankfurter sausages in soft buns, condiments at will: the very symbol of American conviviality, elevated to a diplomatic gesture by Roosevelt.
Why this dish? On June 11, 1939, at Springwood (Hyde Park), FDR served hot dogs to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth during a picnic. His mother Sara was scandalized, but the king had seconds — and the photo went around the world.
When Their Majesties King George and the Queen came to Hyde Park, in that summer of '39, my mother was horrified that I would serve hot dogs to a sovereign! But I held firm: nothing like an American picnic, a hot sausage in its bun, to show our English cousins the true face of this country. The King, I was told, gladly had seconds, and the photograph went around the world. Believe me, diplomacy sometimes passes better through the stomach than through chancelleries.
Ingredients (period version)
- Frankfurter sausages — one per guest, at least (base)
- Long hot dog buns — the same number (support)
- American yellow mustard — as desired (condiment)
- Cold beer — to accompany adults (accompanying drink)
Ingredients
- Frankfurter-style sausages — 6 (base)
- Hot dog buns — 6 (support)
- Mild American mustard — to taste (condiment)
- Fresh onion, thinly sliced — 1 small (topping (optional))
- Sweet pickle relish — 2 tbsp (topping (optional))
Method
- Poach the sausages in simmering water for 5–8 minutes (do not boil, or they may burst), or grill them.
- Warm the buns over the steam from the pot or a few seconds on the grill, just to soften.
- Slip each sausage into its bun.
- Top with mustard, and optionally onion and relish.
- Serve immediately, outdoors if possible, like the Hyde Park picnic.
How it was made : The hot dog, popularized in American stadiums and streets in the early 20th century, was then a decidedly working-class food — which made serving it to royalty deliciously provocative.
The contemporary twist : Serve on a board with a small flag and call the plate "The King ate two," a wink at the original menu.
Sources : Archives of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library, menu of the royal picnic of June 11, 1939
Franklin D. Roosevelt · Charactorium