Avocado and spicy relish hot dogs perfect for season ahead

Baseball is not just about the game, it’s about the food, too.

The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council estimates that fans will eat a whopping 21,357,316 hot dogs and 5,508,887 sausages during the 2014 Major League season — enough to stretch from Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles to Wrigley Field in Chicago.

That’s a lot of hot dogs. When it comes to hot dog-consuming cities, Los Angeles is No. 1, based on total retail sales for the 2012 calendar year. Hot dogs, according to the council, also have an official season. Memorial Day to Labor Day is when Americans consume the most — about 7 billion.

If you’re planning on some hot dogs to celebrate the new season, below are the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council’s tips for hot dog “etiquette.”

o Never put hot dog toppings between the hot dog and the bun. Always “dress the dog,” not the bun.

o Apply wet condiments first, then chunky ones followed by cheese and any spices or seasonings.

o Don’t use ketchup on your hot dog after the age of 18. Mustard, relish, onions, cheese and chili are acceptable.

o Don’t take more than five bites to finish a hot dog, or seven for a foot-long wiener.

o Eat hot dogs on buns with your hands. Utensils should not touch hot dogs on buns.

o Always lick away condiments remaining on the fingers after eating.

Avocado and Spicy Relish Hot Dogs

Serves: 6; Prep time: 15 minutes; Total time: 15 minutes

1 medium avocado, halved, pitted

1 large ripe tomato, diced

1 jalapeno pepper, stem removed, seeded, finely chopped

1/3 cup chopped cilantro

1/4 cup finely chopped white onion

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

6 grilled hot dog buns

6 grilled all-beef hot dogs

6 tablespoons Mexican cheese blend, divided, optional

Cut the avocado into 1/4 -inch dice and place in a bowl. Add the tomato, jalapeno, cilantro, onion, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Mix gently so you don’t break up the avocado pieces. Arrange the buns on a platter. Place the hot dogs in each bun and top each one with 1 tablespoon cheese, if using, so it melts slightly. Spoon relish on top and serve.

Analysis per 1 hot dog: 330 calories (55 percent from fat), 20 grams fat (7 grams sat. fat), 26 grams carbohydrates, 12 grams protein, 786 mg sodium, 28 mg cholesterol, 3 grams fiber.