The 19th century German statesman Otto Bismarck famously said: “Laws are like sausages: it is better not to see how they are made.”
He complained about the government. But this is an easy quote to take both ways for anyone who has seen either. General proceedings are often disgusting, messy affairs that would turn off even the most ardent lover of either of them. It is best to remain ignorant and enjoy them. Sausages, that is. Who enjoys the laws?
So while there is obviously a lot to write about the law, we will consider the sausage today. Or more specifically, the humble hot dog.
The sausages are typically made from what the meat industry charitably calls “offsets.” These are leftover beef, pork, and poultry after taking and selling the best cuts. These are mixed with all kinds of fillings, spiced up a bit, and somehow become America’s favorite sausage.
But lately, several companies have started making better hot dogs. One that will please the health conscious as well as the hungry sports fan or hiker.
Wahoo Nebraska’s OK Market is one such company, but not the only one. However, their Wahoo Wieners are a good example of what can be done with the humble hot dog.
For example, while a typical factory dog is about 30% fat, the wahoo is made with 90% lean ground beef and 85% lean pork shoulder. They have no added fat or fillers. In fact, the only ingredients added are spices and a small amount of sodium nitrite required for curing.
The seasoned meat is stuffed into natural sheep casings like much more expensive sausages and hung in a smokehouse over hickory chips for at least 4 hours.
The Wahoo Wiener is meaty, juicy, and extremely flavorful. And it shows us that even the average hot dog can be something beautiful and quality.