RITZ All American Hot Dog

Turn your attention to your appetizer so you are eating in the moment and paying attention to portions.

These jarred onions in tomato sauce are similar to what push-cart hot dog vendors add to their hot dogs.  If you can't find the jarred onions, you can use canned hot dog chili sauce instead.  Or to make your own onion topping, heat 2 tsp. oil in skillet.  Add 2 cups chopped onions; cook and stir until crisp-tender.  Add 3 cups water, 1 Tbsp. cornstarch, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tsp. corn syrup and 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper; stir.  Bring to a boil; simmer on medium-low heat 30 to 35 min. or until thickened, stirring occasionally.  Stir in 1/4 cup cider vinegar; simmer 20 to 25 min. or until thickened, stirring frequently.  Cool, then refrigerate up to 2 weeks before using as desired, such as a hot dog topping, sandwich spread or topping for your favorite meatloaf.  Makes about 1-1/2 cups onions. 

No need to use your oven. Cook franks in grill pan until heated through; place on onion-topped crackers, then top with remaining ingredients as directed.