Table of Contents

Hot Ziggities: A Blast from the Past

I remember the first time I had a Hot Ziggity. It was at a church potluck, and amongst the casseroles and Jell-O salads, these little golden triangles sat unassuming on a paper plate. One bite, and I was transported. The savory, almost smoky filling against the flaky, slightly sweet dough was a flavor combination I’d never encountered before. It was pure comfort food, a nostalgic hug from a simpler time. Now, decades later, I’m thrilled to share this retro recipe with you.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Servings: 8
Yield: 8 Ziggities
Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

1 lb skinless hot dogs
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
1 slightly beaten egg
2 cups flour, sifted with
½ teaspoon salt
⅔ cup shortening
¼ cup ketchup, mixed with
3 tablespoons water

Equipment Needed

Food Grinder or Food Processor
Large Mixing Bowl
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Fork
Rolling Pin
Pizza Cutter or Knife
Cookie Sheet

Instructions

First, prepare the filling. Grind together the hot dogs, mustard, and egg using a food grinder or food processor until finely minced. Set aside. This mixture should be well combined for optimal flavor.
Now, for the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted flour and salt.
Cut the shortening into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, roughly the size of peas. This step is crucial for creating a flaky crust.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ketchup and water.
Sprinkle the ketchup mixture over the flour and shortening mixture.
Using a fork, lightly combine the wet and dry ingredients until just moistened. Be careful not to overmix; a shaggy dough is perfectly fine. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tougher crust.
Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll one half of the dough into a 12×9-inch rectangle. Repeat with the second half of the dough.
Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut each rectangle into four 6×4.5-inch rectangles. You should now have eight rectangles of dough.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Divide the meat mixture evenly onto each pastry rectangle, spreading it across the surface.
Fold each rectangle diagonally in half to form a triangle.
Seal the edges of the triangles by pressing down firmly with a fork dipped in a little water. This will prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Ensure a tight seal.
Place the filled and sealed triangles on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and the filling is heated through. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Serve HOT!

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t overwork the dough! The key to a tender, flaky crust is to handle the dough as little as possible. Overmixing develops the gluten and results in a tough pastry.
Chill the dough: For an even flakier crust, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
Use cold ingredients: Ensure that your shortening and ketchup mixture are cold. Cold ingredients help to prevent the shortening from melting into the flour before baking, which also contributes to a flaky crust.
Spice it up: Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the meat mixture for an extra kick!
Egg Wash: Before baking, brush the tops of the Ziggities with a beaten egg for an extra-golden and glossy finish.
Make Ahead: Prepare the filling and dough separately, then assemble and bake just before serving.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your Hot Ziggities immediately while they are still warm and the crust is crisp. They are fantastic on their own as a snack or appetizer. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside a simple salad or some coleslaw.

Leftover Ziggities can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the crust may become slightly softer.

Freezing: Fully baked Ziggities can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat from frozen, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	350 kcal	18%
Total Fat	20g	31%
Saturated Fat	8g	40%
Cholesterol	50mg	17%
Sodium	600mg	25%
Total Carbohydrate	30g	10%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	5g	N/A
Protein	10g	20%

Please note that these values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

Spicy Ziggities: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
Cheese Ziggities: Add some shredded cheddar cheese to the meat mixture for a cheesy twist.
Vegetarian Ziggities: Replace the hot dogs with veggie dogs or a mixture of sautéed vegetables, such as mushrooms, onions, and peppers.
Different Dough: Use store-bought puff pastry for an even easier and flakier version.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dough. Be sure to add a binder like xanthan gum to help with the texture.
Sweet and Savory: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the dough for a hint of sweetness.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
A: Absolutely! Ground beef, pork, or even turkey sausage would work well as a substitute for the hot dogs.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them?
A: Yes! Hot Ziggities freeze beautifully. Bake them, let them cool completely, then wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out while baking?
A: Make sure to seal the edges of the triangles very well with a fork dipped in water. A tight seal is crucial.

Q: What if I don’t have shortening? Can I use butter?
A: Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening, but the texture of the crust will be slightly different. Butter will give it a richer flavor but may not be as flaky as shortening.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Hot Ziggities are more than just a recipe; they’re a little bite of nostalgia, a reminder of simpler times and shared meals. Whether you’re looking for a fun snack, an easy appetizer, or a taste of retro comfort food, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Share your creations and variations, and let’s keep this delicious tradition alive!

Hot Ziggities Recipe