Christopher Ranch

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.

Have you purchased tickets for the 2009 Gilroy Garlic Festival yet?!

If not, you should, as you are bypassing the largest, most electric garlic party in the world: a weekend-long celebration of everything that is California-grown garlic…celebrity chef demonstrations, musical performances, the “Great Garlic Showdown,” munching on garlic french fries and much, much more.

In fact, more than 100,000 garlic lovers are expected to attend this year’s event, July 24-26 in Gilroy, Calif. – otherwise known as “The Garlic Capital of the World!”

Here’s a little taste – garlic taste that is – of what you’ll experience throughout the three-day garlic party:
* Fabio Vivani, star of Bravo Television Network’s “Top Chef” series, is hosting the Gilroy Garlic Festival Showdown (professional chef cooking competition) July 26. Fellow “Top Chef” contestant, Jamie Lauren, will participate in the contest, as well;
* The Gilroy Garlic Cookoff & Cooking Competitions, featuring a slew of competitions and celebrity chefs, such as Andrea Froncillo of The Stinking Rose;
* Gourmet Alley – come hungry, as Gourmet Alley is your destination for delicious, garlic-infused eats and drinks. More than 50 vendors align the alley, preparing such delights as stuffed mushrooms; pasta con pesto; calamari; garlic steak tacos; Italian sausage sandwiches; garlic fries; garlic bread and numerous others.
* A variety of musical performances and sounds for all preferences, including country, classic rock, folk, blues, jazz, soul, funk, rockabilly, reggae, pop and more.
* And, of course – the 2009 Miss Gilroy Garlic Queen – Jessica Brewka – and her court.

As you can see, it’s a once-a-year event you don’t want to miss. If you don’t have tickets, don’t fret – there is still time. Just visit the Gilroy Garlic Festival Web site to purchase tickets and find out additional festival information.

We look forward to seeing you in Gilroy and joining Christopher Ranch in celebrating wonderful about California-grown garlic!