PIGS IN A BLANKET and MINI CORN DOGS, Classic Retro Fifties Appetizers

I just posted my recipe for the Orange Julius Martini at my sister site THE MARTINI DIVA and it gave me the idea to post these two recipes for some classic hors d'ouvres you would find at any self respecting neighborhood party in the fifties and sixties!

These little morsels were shunned as party tidbits during the decades of the uber hors d'ouvres, and the amuse bouche crowd will shudder at the simplicity and downright Middle American flavors, but ask anyone and they will tell you that they secretly love them! I know I do and I'm proud of it, being the middle class American that I am!

What's more American than a hot dog? Can anything remind you of the excitement of the county fair like a corn dog? And they go great with the Orange Julius Martini! Go back to simpler times and the nostalgia of suburban party food with these two recipes:

PIGS IN A BLANKET

Lil Smokie Sausages or Mini Hot Dogs
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls

Cut each crescent roll square into 4 pieces, wrap around sausage.
cook according to crescent roll package directions.

(You can also use puff pastry instead of the Crescent Rolls!)

MINI CORN DOGS
1-2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons cold butter
1 tablespoon shortening
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
24 miniature hot dogs or cocktail franks

In a large bowl, combine the first four ingredients.
Cut in butter and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Beat egg and milk; stir into dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead 6-8 times or until smooth.
Roll out to 1/4-in. thickness.
Cut with a 2-1/4-in. biscuit cutter.
Fold each dough circle over a hot dog and press edges to seal (dough will be sticky).
Place on greased baking sheets and bake at 450 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Both should be served with classic Catsup or Mustard to retain the classic retro appeal, but if the gourmet in you can't resist, go ahead and add some other dippers like dijons, cherry catsup, etcetera.