Gourmet Cheddar Hot Dogs With Cider Braised Leeks and Apples

College Girl's Note:

Leeks and apples simmered in cider add a hint of sweetness-- nice contrast to the sharp melted cheddar. If you can find oblong pretzel rolls at your market, they'll make an ideal accompaniment to these English-style hot dogs.

• Total Time: 13 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 8 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 6

Yield: 6.0 hot dogs

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups leeks , thinly sliced white and pale green parts only
• 1 apple , peeled, cored, diced
• ½ teaspoon caraway seed
• 1 pinch ground allspice
• coarse kosher salt
• 1 ½ cups hard apple cider or 1 ¼ cups apple cider and 1/4 cup Bourbon
• 6 hot dog buns , grilled
• Dijon mustard
• 6 beef hot dogs , grilled
• 2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese , coarsely grated (half cup packed)

Directions:

1. Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add leeks and apple. Cover; cook until tender, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Mix in caraway and allspice; season with coarse salt and pepper.
2. Add hard cider; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer. uncovered. until most of liquid is cooked away, about 16 minutes.
3. Arrange buns or rolls on plates. Spread each with mustard, then top with grilled hot dogs. Sprinkle dogs with cheese and top with leek mixture.