Chili Cheese Dogs in Beach Blankets

From Everyday with Rachael Ray



Ingredients:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3/4 pound ground beef or turkey
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
14 ounces refrigerated pizza dough
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
8 hot dogs

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Heat the oil in a small pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and the chili, onion and garlic powders and cook, stirring frequently, until browned, 6 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the tomato paste, then add 1/4 cup water to help loosen it up. Lower the heat and simmer until thick, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.

2. On a work surface, roll out the pizza dough and stretch into a big rectangle. Cut the dough lengthwise, then cut each half crosswise into 4 equal pieces. In the center of each rectangle, drop some chili and sprinkle with cheese. Set a hot dog on top and wrap the dough around it, sealing in the chili and cheese. The ends of each hot dog should peek out. Bake until golden, about 18 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

Comments:
These looked cute. They were pretty easy to make although I'd suggest putting the pizza dough on the baking sheet before you put the chili on it. Otherwise the hot chili makes the dough fall apart and it gets messy. I learned that one the hard way. We both liked these and would probably make them again. Maybe add some bacon. Or use a different type of dough. We'll see.