We didn't get to go to the fair this past fall and we felt a tremendous loss by not getting our annual Pronto Pup. Well, okay, calling it a "tremendous loss" might be exaggerating a bit, but having a 40+ year tradition interrupted, does leave one feeling unsettled. We simply needed a Pronto Pup to center our universe back on its axis. And, horror of all horrors, we had not attended any shows or festivals in months. We were, most definitely, feeling deprived.
When shopping for Christmas gifts this year, I spotted a corn dog maker on
Amazon. I added it to my wishlist so I could think about it. I
did not believe there was any way a homemade Pronto Pup could live up to the
taste of the fair delicacy. I honestly believed they must be deep
fried to have the right texture and flavor. I feared a Pronto Pup made
in an electric gadget at home would be a great disappointment.
However, after my husband said he wished he had a Pronto Pup for the
trillionth time since fall, I was determined to find one for him. With
no upcoming local events that would offer a Pronto Pup, I became more
desperate and decided to try the electric corn dog maker.
Yowsers, I'm glad I did! The half-sized Pronto Pups made in the electric corn dog maker were delicious. Almost as good as going to the fair, although I haven't figured out how to get the Ferris Wheel here for the full fair experience.
MasterChef Corn Dog Maker - Electric Nonstick Baker
MasterChef Corn Dog Maker-Electric Nonstick Kitchen Baker, Hot Dogs on Stick, Cheese Mozzarella Sticks, Cake Pops, BBQ -Recipes +50 SkewersCheck PriceThe corn dog maker is distributed under several brand names. I opted for the MasterChef brand because it had the best reviews and came with 50 skewers. Including the skewers with the baker, allowed me to get started immediately.
I was not thrilled with the recipe included with the maker because it called for pancake mix. I thought pancake mix would make the batter too sweet for the authentic Pronto Pup taste I wanted to recreate. I sought out a Pronto Pup copycat batter recipe and it sounded perfect as I read through the ingredients. Since this was our first test, I decided to make a batter recipe of both types, the one that came with the maker and the copycat recipe. After my family had tried both, the copycat recipe was unanimously chosen as the best. However, to be fair, the pancake mix recipe tasted good, even though it was sweeter, and required less ingredients to make, but it was much thinner than the copycat batter. We all preferred the thicker coating on the hot dogs.
It is very easy to make the Pronto Pups.
- Make the batter recipe
- Preheat the maker - wait for the green light to come on & indicate that the maker is ready
- Spray the trays with a non-stick spray (I wipe off excess spray before adding food. It just needs a light coating)
- Simply cut the hot dogs in half
- Insert a skewer into each half
- Dip the hot dogs into the batter, covering them fully
- Lay the battered hot dogs on the maker plate with the sticks aligned in the depressions on the side
- Spoon a small amount of batter on the top of each hot dog
- Close the maker lid and cook for 3 minutes
- Open the lid, turn the hot dogs and cook for 3 more minutes
- Remove your cooked Pronto Pups/corn dogs and serve
Pronto Pup Batter Copycat Recipe
I am including the recipe here for the copycat Pronto Pup batter so you don't have to go on a separate search. Since there are several recipes online, I thought it best to share the one that we used. I wouldn't want any Pronto Pup lovers to be disappointed.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup cornmeal (white or yellow)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- 2 Tablespoons shortening
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt and dry mustard. Mix well.
- Add the shortening and cut it into the mixture using fork until the mixture becomes a fine crumble.
- In a separate bowl, mix egg and milk together. Pour this mixture into the flour mixture. Stir until smooth (batter will be thick).
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Wow, what fun to be able to replicate your favorite Pronto Pup at home any time you want. I had no idea that an electric corn dog maker was available for your own kitchen. Thanks so much for telling me about this.
ReplyDeletePS: I've known the term 'corn dog' forever; this is the first time I have ever heard them called a Pronto Pup. Is that a southern term? :)
Interestingly enough, I've only ever called them Pronto Pups. I guess that is because of the annual Mid-South Fair. I had to look it up myself to find the origin of the Pronto Pup. According to Wikipedia, "the Pronto Pup was invented in Rockaway Beach, Oregon, and is marketed as the original corn dog" in the 1930's. The word pronto refers to how fast they are made. Thanks for your question, Elf! It was fun to check the facts.
DeleteVery interesting, indeed. I love doing research and checking facts and the internet now makes that so quick. :) I also find regional customs and characteristics fun to learn.
DeleteI was just thinking as I was getting my coffee, I bet you know corn dog because of baseball. It has been a long time since I have been to a ballgame, but I do believe they called them corn dogs at the concessions stand :)
DeleteI, too, have never heard of “Pronto Pups,” but I have always loved corn dogs. What fun (and how much healthier) to bake them at home vs. buying them deep-fried at the fair! Not that you have to choose — now you get the best of both worlds!
ReplyDeleteYes, I am sure you are right, Margaret. Baked is healthier than deep fried, although there really are some things that simply cannot be replicated by baking and must be deep fried. However, Sam has almost convinced me that the air fryer is a good option for those of us who love our deep fried foods.
DeleteWell isn't that a pretty cool item! I've never used or heard of this corn dog machine - Great idea for game day events too, or kids parties for absolute sure - and an original gift idea too
ReplyDeleteI also, have never heard them called Pronto Pups, but I do know corn dogs. What neat idea for making them at home, and thanks for the recipe.
ReplyDeletePronto Pups is new to me too! But when I feel the need for one, these are the way I like them the best. Thanks for the recipe for the batter and how to!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you were fulfilled with your new pronto pup maker and the recipe. Way to go!
ReplyDelete