hot dog chowder

I have a confession to make.  I LOVE hot dogs.

I realize some of you may be throwing up in your mouth at the thought of eating a hot dog, so I'm sorry.  But I really do like them. 
Bratwurst too.  And Knockwurst.  And any other type of wurst or sausage or hot dog like thing you can put on a bun.

I'm a bit of a hot dog snob though.  I will not eat just any hot dog.  I don't like the cheapie ones.  I will pay a bit more for the good hot dogs.  It's worth it.

I know they are "not very healthy". 
I know we "don't really know what's in them".
I know they are probably full of "leftover parts".
(I'm picturing Chris Farley here in all his "Matt Foley Motivational Speaker" glory)

But hot dogs are tasty folks, so go ahead and embrace them.

Here's a recipe I've enjoyed for years, thanks to our family friends Bruce and Karen Dungan.  The Dungans make their famous Hot Dog Chowder at group gatherings when the weather gets cool.  It's a great, tasty way to feed a crowd, or just your family, and it's really budget friendly.  I'm not going to lie and say it's really healthy, because it's not.  But it's not too bad either.

If you're lucky, it's a good way to get your kiddos to try some veggies as well.  I made this the other night and the boy birdie ate vegetables he normally would not.  Probably by accident, but who cares, right?

Here's the recipe, courtesy of Karen and Bruce Dungan:

2 cups diced raw potatoes
1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen mixed vegetables (I use a little extra)
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 Tbs. snipped parsley (can use fresh or dried)
2 chicken bouillon cubes
3/4 tsp. salt
8 oz . hot dogs, thinly sliced (5-6 hot dogs)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 tsp. white pepper (or regular black pepper)
3 cups milk
2 Tbsp butter or margarine

In a saucepan, combine potatoes, vegetables, onion, parsley, bouillon cubes and salt.  Add 1 cup water; bring to boiling.  Cover and boil gently for 15 to 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.  Add hot dog slices.  Blend flour, white pepper and milk.  Stir into vegetables; bring to simmer.  Cook and stir 2 minutes more.  Add butter or margarine (you could leave this out to cut calories, but I usually don't.  Come on!).  Top servings with paprika and serve.

So how do you feel about hot dogs?  Love them?  Hate them?  Try this soup and you might learn to love them!