From Little House to the courthouse, the characters on your favorite shows have to eat, and that means someone is in the kitchen cooking. So, we wondered, what’s on the menu? Here are a few recipes (some centuries old that you can adapt*) that may have made their way onto the tables of your favorite characters. Enjoy our In The Kitchen with INSP series as we introduce a new recipe each week through the end of the year.

Matlock

After another spectacular victory in court, Matlock will want to celebrate at his favorite Atlanta hot dog vendor’s cart. No vender nearby? Fire up the grill!

Homemade Atlanta Chili Dogs

Ingredients

• 8 beef hot dogs
• 1 cup chili (Recipe Below)
• 8 hot dog buns, split
• 1 cup tangy vinaigrette-style deli coleslaw (Recipe Below)

Directions

Heat gas or charcoal grill. Place hot dogs on grill over medium heat. Cook uncovered 10 to 15 minutes, turning frequently, until hot. Place chili in medium microwavable bowl; cover loosely. Microwave on high 45 to 60 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until hot. Spoon about 2 tablespoons chili on bottom half of each bun. Place hot dogs on buns. Top with coleslaw.

 Source: Bettycrocker.com

Hillbilly Chili

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 (15-1/2-ounce) cans pinto beans, undrained
• 1 (29-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14-1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (12-ounce) bottle chili sauce
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 8 slices cooked bacon, coarsely crumbled

Directions

In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat oil; saute onions 5 minutes. Add ground beef, salt, and pepper and cook 5 to 7 minutes, or until beef is no longer pink. Drain off excess liquid. Stir in remaining ingredients; mix well. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer 50 to 60 minutes, or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Makes 6 servings.

Source: mrfood.com

Tangy Cole Slaw

Ingredients

• 1/2 large head cabbage, shredded
• 2 large carrots, shredded
• 1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion

Dressing

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, green pepper and onion. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Pour over cabbage mixture and toss to coat. Cover and chill for 4 hours before serving. Makes 10 servings.

Source: tasteofhome.com

Hot Dog Fun Facts

In August 2014, a 28-year-old man from China proposed to his girlfriend spelling out the word “Love” surrounded by a border using 1,001 hot dogs—one for each day they were together.

Joey Chestnut was the winner of the 2014 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, his 8th straight championship. He consumed 61 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.

In 2013, Atlanta ranked 3rd of the top 10 hot dog eating cities in the country.