Since I am a mother, along with that nagging “What’s for dinner?” question. . I now also struggle with “What am I going to pack for my kid’s lunch?” Along with everyone else, I want my daughter to have a hot meal but I also don’t want her buying her lunch from the cafeteria everyday. Don’t get me wrong, from what I’ve been told, cafeteria food (at least at our elementary school) has gotten tremendously better and now, they strongly encourage each child who buys his/her lunch, to pick at least one fruit + vegetable along with their main dish or food item.
But I like to see what my kid has eaten and when I pack her lunch, I can tell. The evidence is there. In her lunch bag. So, when I pack that turkey sandwich or chicken nuggets, I can see what she didn’t eat right there in her lunch bag (not sure why but she doesn’t throw anything away). Hey, I’m not saying anything because this has been very informative for me.
Every night if I’m not sure what to pack for her lunch – and if I know she won’t eat what they are serving for lunch in the cafeteria- I’ll ask her what she wants. And ever since she had a corn dog at school, this is all she asks for now. When eating hot dogs, this kid would only eat the hot dog and never the bun. And same thing with the corn dogs, she would only eat the hot dog and not the corn bread. How do I know this? My husband and I were obsessed with- for maybe a couple months- those honey corn dog bite appetizers. Oh soooooo good and so bad for you. And she would leave the corn bread leftovers for me and my husband to devour. We were like trash compactors. No shame if sweet corn bread is involved.
So, since Phoebe kept asking for corn dogs – because she now magically eats the ENTIRE thing, corn bread and all- and saying how much she LOVES them, I made these. Mini corn dog muffins and regular sized ones. Everyone here loved them. I don’t know about you but if it’s from a muffin tin and has a hot dog in it, I’m sold. I’ll definitely be packing some of these for her lunch . . and they are great for an after school snack as well. Hell, make these for Super Bowl Sunday and everyone will be happy.
Next time, I may try wrapping some mini sized hot dogs in puff pastry. . oh baby.
I hope you enjoy!
- 1½ cups all purpose flour
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup yellow corn meal
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1¼ cups milk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ⅓ cup olive oil or vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- hot dogs; cut into small pieces (I use the all natural nitrate-free ones from Trader Joe's)
- cooking spray or cupcake liners
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees and prepare a muffin tin (regular or mini) with cooking spray or muffin cupcake liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, honey, corn meal, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, oil and butter. Mix well and then add to the dry ingredients and stir until blended.
- Pour the batter into your muffins tin cups, about ⅔ full. Place the cut up hot dogs into the center of each tin with the batter. For the mini muffins, don't worry if your hot dog is still peeking out; it does not need to be covered with the batter. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the corn bread muffin is lightly firm. Cool on a wire rack. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe adapted from my Alber’s Yellow Corn Meal Box. Idea from The Pioneer Woman. Word up.
I am also a person who loves hot dogs in mini form. In fact, I spent a bit of time sampling asian bakeries in Hong Kong and they’re real pros when it comes hot dog and BBQ pork variations. All delicious and this is up there with those moreish snacks!
I loved corn dogs as a kid too….I can see why your daughter loved them!
Haha, me too!! 🙂 I haven’t met a kid yet who doesn’t like hot dogs! 🙂
Say yes to this corn dog muffins, this is so lovely. Love the savory taste behind it. Yum!!
Oh em gee – the Husband and I would go crazy over these! I am obsessed with corn bread and he loves sausages. It’s the perfect meal! This reminds me of the hot dog buns that Chinese bakeries sell – it’s a normal hot dog sausage wrapped in that soft, buttery, subtly sweet dough that they also make pineapple and coconut buns with. It’s one of my favourite things to eat!
These look scrumptious! I am pretty certain my girls would love these. Great idea for a meal on the go!