I can't wedge tomatoes!

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (CCinNJ)

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 13:18:39 GMT

I think chopped giardiniera salad would make a fine "Wicked Hot Italian"

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (Dr of BBQ)

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 09:58:44 GMT

BR,
You have a plan. There are no real rules for making a HOT DOG. And unless you live in Chicago any vendor can do their version and make it their own. Think out side the box and as long as your using a really good dog, soon your customers will come to know it as the correct way to enjoy a great dog.

Good post BR.

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (BR)

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 09:14:24 GMT

I love Chicago Dogs but hate the large chunky veggies that like to jump off the dog as you eat it so I came up with a version that is much easier to eat. I simply dice up the tomato, pickles etc. pico de gallo style. It makes a much more manageable dog and the veggies don't try to abandon ship when you take a bite. I'm not a hot dog vendor... I just make them for my own consumption at home but I much prefer them this way. It might be a problem for those that expect the chunky garden dog veggies however. It's something to consider.

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (Vic Cardenas)

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:45:40 GMT

Invest in a good knife, learn to keep it sharp and learn how to use it. Problem solved.
This has been my workhorse http://www.amazon.com/Wus...ks-Knife/dp/B0001FATMI A Wusthof fears no tomato
I keep it razor sharp with this http://www.amazon.com/Smi...arpening/dp/B00009YV6L

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (CCinNJ)

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 20:13:06 GMT

Bagged salad is a 3 billion $ per year business.

I don't know what makes lettuce so intimidating to tackle or ominous task...but it's big business. Bagged salad. Bleh. Expensive too.

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (Dr of BBQ)

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 19:12:32 GMT

Buck,
The reason they started selling all the sandwich parts is because so many people that get hired in the BOH are idiots. So they try and make it fool proof. I have been served sliced onions on a sandwich that were 1/2 inch thick. At that rate it only takes 4 sandwiches per onion. Prep people are so goofy and lazy. This is not meant to be a reflection on anyone here on RF. LOL
jack

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (roadkillgrill)

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 19:08:16 GMT

I also cut per order. You get better under pressure.

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (Buck & Vi's)

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 18:26:41 GMT

marco226

this is just my 2 cents. i was a cook for 24 yrs.
really tomatoes! are you really that busy that you need to cut them ahead.
if you are good for you!
the only way you are going to get the look and quality your looking for is to cut the toamote to order.
on an other note there is a prouduct that the food compamies sell. pre sliced tomatoes.
when i first heard about it i said no way. what they will last for 5 min if that or get damaged in shipping.
well when i did finally see them i was speachless. they looked awsome. never used them though.
i think they said the shelve life was 3 days. really i could not believe my eyes.
one more thing the tomatoe must be perfect not too ripe and not under ripe.
good luck!

As I recall these are hyper expensive..tho right... I believe they also sell tomato. let, onion in sets too...............hyper expensive too

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (jcheese)

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 17:09:04 GMT

My HD says cut tomatoes must be used within 4 hours. I cut to order.

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (marco226)

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 13:55:14 GMT

this is just my 2 cents. i was a cook for 24 yrs.
really tomatoes! are you really that busy that you need to cut them ahead.
if you are good for you!
the only way you are going to get the look and quality your looking for is to cut the toamote to order.
on an other note there is a prouduct that the food compamies sell. pre sliced tomatoes.
when i first heard about it i said no way. what they will last for 5 min if that or get damaged in shipping.
well when i did finally see them i was speachless. they looked awsome. never used them though.
i think they said the shelve life was 3 days. really i could not believe my eyes.
one more thing the tomatoe must be perfect not too ripe and not under ripe.
good luck!

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (bartl)

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 12:28:48 GMT

One other suggestion: Use a cut-resistant or cut-proof glove. Most people don't like their tomatoes flavored with blood.

Bart

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (CCinNJ)

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 13:41:10 GMT

Good luck! Let is know how it goes. If the inside of the tomato stays inside a tomato slicing on a mandolin...you're livin' right.

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (djdawg)

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 12:16:31 GMT

Thanks everyone! I think I will try the slices instead of wedging...I do have a mandolin so I'll play with that today....thanks!

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (CCinNJ)

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 10:51:12 GMT

DJ...if the Chicago Dogs were flying out as a new vendor (with a picture on the menu) keep wedging or change right away. You don't want the excited new customers notice you're making changes. Word-of-mouth is very important. That's the thing chain customers scream about. SCREAM. Getting a little anal about tomato or any other topping yield. "I'm paying $4 for this hot dog..and..."

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (Bistro a go-go)

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 10:46:49 GMT

for uniform cuts and best yield PLUS speed in slicing how about a mandolin? cant beat it but takes a lil skill and knowledge/practice. its this or get that sharpener from the info-mercials and use your debit card as demo'd, lol...

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (edwmax)

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 07:34:23 GMT

Foodbme

There's no law that says you have to cut wedges.
Cut a Roma in half length-wise.
Put both sides down flat.
Cut slices cross-wise.
You'll get a better yield and the tomatos will fit in the bun better.
I've eaten many Chicago dogs with slices, not wedges.

Great,   I cut 1/2 slices myself and stick them to the side of the HD.   They don't move around or fall out as easy.

Oh, an I've never had a problem of the tomato falling to pieces.   I don't use the over ripe tomato for this purpose.

My preferred knife is a chef's straight blade type. All my knives are kept sharp.     ... Point down on the cutting board at an angle, pull the knife across the tomato in one motion to slice.   No sawing or hacking at the tomato, they don't like it.

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (CCinNJ)

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 03:24:00 GMT

Sounds delicious! I don't think I ever had chow chow...or a proper fried grreen tomato without a little grated Italian thrown in.

That's the kind of MIL that's a keeper. I bet she never calls you "that one" or wears black when you're around. My informal MIL loves to tease me. I'll be "this one" sooner or later.

Pickled green tomatoes & your popular cream cheese might come together quite nicely for a "Wicked Southern Drawl" Dog!

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (DawnT)

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 01:01:33 GMT

Instead of a dedicated tomato knife, Forschner's offset bread knife is wonderful for tomato slicing and very sharp, unlike most others that are like hack saws. Chef Mate sharpeners can keep the serrated blade razor sharp. One of the best investments I've made.
Victoronix should be the same product with NSF safe handles instead of rosewood.

Have you considered a wedger if you're going to do a lot? One of the larger bed 10 section, nemco, redco, or prince castle wedgers can be had for around $80-$100 new on the 'bay and much less used. The used ones don't go for much like the dicers, but the investment in a new blade insert, rubber bumpers, and a maybe a pusher to fit your needs might make a new one a better deal. The blades can be maintained with a v type, manual, handheld sharpener.

CC, never had green tomatoes b4 until i moved to TN. My MIL puts up home grown, pickled tomatoes and also uses them in her chow chows which I never had b4. What I found wonderful was her breaded, fried, green tomatoes that she does in a cast iron pan.

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (Curb Hopper)

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 23:40:55 GMT

Try a tomato knife...serrated edge, off set handle. Done.

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (CCinNJ)

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 23:37:01 GMT

I LOVE the Superdawg box. It's a Superdawg...not a hot dog. I have to practice that...or no Superdawg.

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (CCinNJ)

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 23:30:26 GMT

Yum! Pickled green tomatoes...especially off-season when tomatoes are easier to cut... but expensive with no taste.

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (Dr of BBQ)

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 23:19:33 GMT

Your right and if you get a big slice put it in the bun before the dog it'll still stick up and look great. In fact I have seen them served with Chopped tomatoes.
Check this site out: http://geneandjudeshotdogs.com/Chicago-Style-.html
or http://roblattin.hubpages...t-Chicago-Style-Recipe

Or just forget the tomatoe
http://www.thepauperedche...aka-the-superdawg.html

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (Foodbme)

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 23:13:53 GMT

There's no law that says you have to cut wedges.
Cut a Roma in half length-wise.
Put both sides down flat.
Cut slices cross-wise.
You'll get a better yield and the tomatos will fit in the bun better.
I've eaten many Chicago dogs with slices, not wedges.

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (CCinNJ)

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 21:14:09 GMT

Loose arms. Tell the tomato a joke while slicing. Not too funny.

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (djdawg)

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 21:10:04 GMT

Thanks! Yes all that makes sense. I will try sliding the knife underneath like you said. I usually cut at room temp. Since the tomatoes are not refrigerated at the store, I usually don't at home. Should I before cutting? (obviously if I keep tomatoes for any length of time I would)

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (edwmax)

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 20:58:09 GMT

djdawg

.....
Trying to cut tomatoes into wedges for my chicago hot dogs. I think I'm doing the cutting correctly but maybe the tomato I'm using isn't correct? What happens is when they are cut all the "meat" or innards...where the seeds are....quite often they fall out so I'm just left with the rind. ...

I say you're probably using over ripe tomatoes. (not over ripe as in mushy, but as in juicy before becoming mush) A juicy over ripe will make the bun soggy. Romas might be a better choice when the table type tomatoes are too ripe.

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (CCinNJ)

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 20:46:25 GMT

It's from the "Uncle Louie School of Slashing" while wearing a $1000 suit!

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (Dr of BBQ)

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 20:42:04 GMT

CC,
Good advice, but I can't figure out if "like a movie slasher" is a term the CIA might use (The Culinary Institute of America) or could it be the FBI.
LOL

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (CCinNJ)

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 20:30:39 GMT

If you will be holding them chilled...it will be easier to keep them together if chilled before cutting.

But please don't tell my Mother I told you to chill a tomato. She'd kick my ass.

Re:I can't wedge tomatoes! (djdawg)

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 20:26:48 GMT