Micro burgers and hot dogs

You’ve probably seen or heard of mini hotdogs, mini burgers. They’re the small versions of the restaurant classic; the sort of thing people have as canapes at Christmas parties; the sort of thing your children think are so cool. Because small stuff is very cute indeed. It’s why handbag dogs, pictures of little horses and mini-cows go viral on the internet. Full-sized is so last year. Who doesn’t like a microscopic version of the original?

Step forward Micro Burgers and Hot Dogs, mini-treats that you can serve from your kitchen to small children, friends, family and passing strangers at will, with very little effort.

And when I say very little effort I really do mean it.

They key ingredient is the dough ball. In my case, they are the Pizza Express ones, as they are plain. Just cook them according to the packet and put to one side.

Meanwhile, you need to cook up a pack of cocktail sausages in the oven. No fancy stuff if you are aiming to please a pre-school palate. Then once they are brown and baked, leave them to cool. Then simply split the dough ball across the middle, insert a cocktail sausage and serve on a plate with a bow of ketchup for them to dip into.

For adults, or the more discerning palate, slice a few shallots or small onions, and fry gently in butter until they are caramelised and rich brown colour. Assemble as before, adding a generous portion of onion, and a squirt of ketchup and American mustard. Arrange on a plate and serve. Experience has taught me that you will need more of these than you could ever imagine.

The burgers are more effort. For they require squishing. As before, take your dough balls and bake. Once they are done, you need to cook a dozen meatballs. As you place the meatball onto the tray you need to squoosh it flat (technical term, that.) Then bake according to the instructions, or until they are browned and cooked to your liking.

For pre-schoolers, split the doughball across the middle, slide in a micro burger and serve with dippy ketchup.

For those who like burgers more stacked, you could add onions as with the hotdog, slice cherry tomatoes across into slices, add dollops of chutney or ketchup. Or fry chopped bacon and sprinkle on the top.