Twisted Dogs

Do your scouts ever cook hotdogs?
Here's a new way - it's called the Twisted Dog.

Hotdogs and brats are all-American summer food seen around countless campfires and 4th of July family gatherings. They are an easy introduction to campfire cooking for Cub Scouts, and a simple, quick meal for older scouts (even though there's not much real cooking prowese required).

Earlier this summer, I chatted with a fellow that has invented a new item to make this old picnic stand-by a bit better. The Twisted Dog is a simple tool to make a spiral cut down the hotdog. Why, pray tell, would you want a spiral cut hotdog? Well, for a few reasons...

• Even Cooking - the hotdog stays straight instead of bending around when cooking. It also heats up inside more quickly.
• Better Taste - the exposed cuts and edges let juices escape and sear, improving the flavor.
• Condiment Adhesion - there's more area for the ketchup, mustard, and relish to hold in place rather than squirt onto your lap.
• More Filling - spiral cut dogs remain longer than a regular dog, filling the hotdog bun better from end to end.
• Faster Cooking - scout testing has shown the hotdogs cook a bit faster so they get to eat sooner.

This summer, I gave Twisted Dogs to a scout patrol to try out. At last check, they are still using them whenever they do a simple hotdog meal. The scout feedback has been that it keeps the hot dog more evenly cooked, cooks faster, and new scouts like the novelty. They've kept the Twisted Dog in their patrol box and use it whenever they do dogs.



If your troop is looking for a new fundraising opportunity, contact Scott at TwistedDogs.net and ask for more information. If your troop runs any sort of booth or stand at a community gathering, these could be a great add-on item to offer.

Scout On