July is truly a great month for celebrating – summer’s in full swing, 4th of July, California garlic harvest is underway and – are you sitting down?

(Drum roll, please)… July is National Hot Dog Month!

In fact, July 19 is National Hot Dog Day, so Happy Early Hot Dog day to you and yours. For a fanatic of hot dogs like myself, July 19 is nearly on par with Christmas…if only there was a fat man with a beard that came down my chimney and delivered hot dogs, life would be complete.

Since we will be busy stuffing our face with foot-long dogs, preferably fully loaded with fresh California garlic, relish, jalapenos, cheese, ketchup, mustard and chili – if I’m feeling bold – we decided to honor the epic day in advance.

To recognize National Hot Dog Day, we compiled a list of our favorite garlic-incorporated hot dog recipes. If you think a hot dog is heaven in your mouth, you ain’t tasted nothin’ until you pile a little minced, fresh California garlic on top.

Manchego Cheese and Garlic Hot Dogs – if you like anything hot, spicy and cheesy, this Spanish-infused recipe’s for you.

Garlic Mojo Hot Dogs – a Cuban recipe, with a zesty, citrus flair

Hot Dog Cheese Rolls With A Parsley & Garlic Spread – similar to pigs in a blanket – a cheesy, hot dog pastry.

So, happy Hot Dog Day and Month! What better way to enjoy it than with a side of California-grown garlic.