Campfires and "Food"

I like Food. No, I mean, I really like Food. I like it so much I eat it daily. It's true.

Here's my dirty little secret. I also like "food". You know the stuff that's chemically enhanced and had the bejeezus beaten out of it so much that it actually behaves like Food. Examples: twinkies, hot dogs, double-stuffed peanut butter creme Oreos, american cheese, the entire Dorito family...

I just got back from a week and a half in Michigan. For those of you who are not so familiar with the Great Lakes State, let me tell you that the Food there is fabulous. Seriously, check the labels on your produce. With the colder climate you get a later growing season, which means Michigan acts as America's fruit basket in late summer.

In August, Michgan is positively bursting with sweet corn, blueberries, and raspberries. It's unbelievable. In a measely week and a couple days, I nearly ate my weight in fresh produce. The creameries are incredible, which to me equals 10 solid days of ice cream. Let's not forget the greatness of Michigan breweries. Summer brews from Bells and Arcadia kept me smiling. (Honorable mention to Goose Island 312, not from Michigan, but Chicago's close enough to count.)

Michigan is also home to some of the greatest "food" ever made. Faygo Red Pop is a sticky sweet strawberry flavored soda. Hudsonville's Superscoop Ice Cream. The entire right side of a National Coney Island menu, inlcuding but not limited to chilli cheese fries and a sandwich made with fried chicken, fluffy pita bread, mayo, and lots and lots of cheese. It's called a Hani and it's ridiculous.

Some of the best "food" isn't native to Michigan, but is synonymous with Michigan summers. S'mores, for example, gooey marshmallows, melty chocolate, crispy graham crackers. Good old fashioned Hot Dogs roasted over a campfire. Delicious!

So here's where it gets complicated...I'm Polish. My family is Polish. This means we don't just eat Food or "food". We eat "FOOD!" Bet you thought S'mores were good. Next time try it with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups instead of chocolate bars. We put peanut M&Ms in popcorn. We add butter and fried onions to just about any savory dish that sits still long enough.

This weekend, my sisters and I committed the ultimate crime against the arteries. We made a new favorite "FOOD!" called 'Angels on Horseback'. Here's how it's done:

Step 1: Find a poor unsuspecting hot dog.

Step 2: Slice it down the middle and stuff it with cheese

(No picture...I was covered in raw bacon by the time I thought of it.)

Step 3: Wrap the newly cheese stuffed hot dog in BACON.

Step 4: Skewer the little bastard.

Step 5: Let the Magic Campfire do its thing.

Step 7: Slather with ketchup and eat it up.

Step 8: Proceed directly to the Emergency Room to seek medical attention.