appetizers & recipes: cain of cain’s arcade with corn dogs by alton brown and lemonade
Remember the days before we had hundreds of TV channels? Do you recall the days before video games, before everyone had a computer, before iPads? Remember when you were a child and you would find a large box? That box became a castle, a robot, a space ship or a lemonade stand?
If you had more than one box they became a town in the Wild West or all the departments in a department store. Do you remember that kind of creativity? A few cardboard boxes, some markers or crayons and a lot of imagination could provide hours of entertainment.
We could not pass the opportunity to dedicate a post to a young man who is creative, ingenious and enterprising. We would like to introduce you to Caine of Caine’s Arcade. Please take a moment to watch the video about Caine. He will surely make you smile as you pine for the days of your youth when life seemed less complex and more magical. It reminds us of a time when we felt like we could do anything we wanted, be whoever we wanted to be and while reaching for the moon, we could touch the stars.
Inspired by Caine’s Arcade we have chosen the perfect arcade food: Corn Dogs! And, inspired by his entrepreneurial spirit we have included a lemonade recipe, too.
Corn Dogs (Alton Brown) Ingredients 1 gallon peanut oil (or vegetable oil) 1 cup yellow cornmeal 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 tablespoons (approximately 1 large) jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely minced (optional) 1 (8.5-ounce) can cream-style corn 1/3 cup finely grated onion 1 1/2 cups buttermilk 4 tablespoons cornstarch, for dredging 8 beef hot dogs Directions 1. Special equipment: 8 sets chopsticks not separated or popsicle sticks. 2. Pour oil into a deep fryer or large heavy pot and heat to 375 degrees F. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cayenne pepper. In a separate bowl, combine the jalapeno, corn, onion, and buttermilk. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients all at once, and stir only enough times to bring the batter together; there should be lumps. Set batter aside and allow them to rest for 10 minutes. 3. Scatter the cornstarch into a dry pie pan. Roll each hot dog in the cornstarch and tap well to remove any excess. 4. Transfer enough batter to almost fill a large drinking glass. Refill the glass as needed. Place each hot dog on chopsticks, and quickly dip in and out of the batter. Immediately and carefully place each hot dog into the oil, and cook until coating is golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. With tongs, remove to cooling rack, and allow them to drain for 3 to 5 minutes. Lemonade Ingredients 2 cups sugar 1 cup hot water 2 cups fresh lemon juice 1 gallon cold water 1 lemon, sliced Directions 1. Place sugar and hot water into a large pitcher. Mix until sugar dissolves. 2. Add lemon juice and cold water. Stir until well mixed. 3. Pour lemonade over glasses off filled with ice.
Joanne
April 14, 2012 at 10:28 pm //
My boyfriend showed me that video the other day and it was honestly the most happy, feel-good video I’ve ever seen. Love it!
myfudo
April 15, 2012 at 10:42 am //
Hi Joanne, this little fella is our future, what an inspiring lad, it really makes us smile.
Pennie
April 15, 2012 at 2:24 am //
These corn dogs look amazing! I’ve nominated you guys for The Versatile Blogger Award here: http://passioneats.blogspot.com/2012/04/gratitude.html
Cheers!
myfudo
April 16, 2012 at 7:22 am //
Wow Pennie, well thank you so much, that is truly, very, very COOL! We truly are humbled.
Jay
April 15, 2012 at 10:59 am //
lovely & delicious…want to taste it right now..:)
Tasty Appetite
myfudo
April 15, 2012 at 4:56 pm //
Thank you Jay.
myfudo
April 16, 2012 at 7:22 am //
Thanks Jay = )
Angie@Angie's Recipes
April 15, 2012 at 11:25 pm //
Looks delicious. I would love one too!
myfudo
April 16, 2012 at 7:22 am //
Nom nom nom = ) Thanks Angie
Jesica @ Pencil Kitchen
April 16, 2012 at 6:58 am //
I’m glad I was born when computers were rare. When hopscotch is still popular… But I’m also glad I was born where internet was getting ready… Caine is one little amazing boy with amazing imagination!
myfudo
April 16, 2012 at 7:23 am //
Isn’t he Jessica, he makes me smile from ear to ear = )
mike @ TheCulinaryLens
April 16, 2012 at 8:01 am //
As silly as this sounds I never thought of using a tall glass for putting batter on something like this. Such a simple idea. I love it
myfudo
April 16, 2012 at 9:44 am //
Thank you so much Mike = )
Jen
April 16, 2012 at 8:05 am //
I’ve never had a corn dog. I think I will have to try making this recipe. Hope I can get all the ingredients here in England. :-)
myfudo
April 16, 2012 at 9:44 am //
Let us know Jen, we’ll do our best to help you find the ingredients, are you able to find corn meal easily?
kitchenriffs
April 16, 2012 at 9:54 am //
Terrific video – thanks for the link. And corn dogs! I’ve never made them. But I like them, so should probably give them a shot some time. Thanks for the idea, plus a fun post.
Jackie
April 17, 2012 at 2:47 am //
I miss those days! When phones plugged into the wall and you had to make elaborate plans on where to meet when you split up with your mom at the mall so that you wouldn’t hear your name called over the loudspeaker from the Information Desk. And in my book, corn dogs can do no wrong.
Emma
April 17, 2012 at 7:59 am //
Love this video – what a creative little guy, he’s destined for big things I’m sure of that.
Corn dogs remind me of my home town shows every year, thanks for the nostalgic look back :D
Kiri W.
April 17, 2012 at 9:55 am //
I’ve never eaten a corn dog, if you can believe it – yours look so very neat!
the food dude
April 17, 2012 at 12:12 pm //
Wow, corn dogs, I really miss these. Just brings back so many good childhood memories…
Alyssa
April 17, 2012 at 7:27 pm //
I have to say that having children is like getting to be a child all over again. You see the world through new eyes once again. I love this recipe, I’ve actually tried Alton’s version before. Unfortunately my children don’t like corn dogs. I, however, would be happy to have one right now!
Alana
April 17, 2012 at 10:24 pm //
Carnival food just got FANCY! Love it. Also that video, such sweet inspiration!
Peggy
April 21, 2012 at 1:05 am //
That video is too awesome! And these corn dogs sound so good right now =)
myfudo
April 21, 2012 at 3:50 pm //
Thank you Peggy!
Travis
August 29, 2012 at 8:39 am //
I think I have a blog problem. A ltltie while ago I thought- I wonder what Jennifer ate Day 2 at the fair? Have a great Sunday and Labor Day! This weather is awesome!~Casey