Hot dogs are a quintessential summer cookout food. They're easy to customize for any mix of age groups -- simply set out simple condiments like ketchup and mustard for kids, and save the chili, onions and jalapenos for the adult table. Cook hot dogs on a grill for extra authenticity and flavor. The intense heat of a gas or charcoal grill will give your franks a crispy texture that steamers and microwaves can't replicate.

Preheat the grill to the medium setting, between 300 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Brush a light layer of vegetable oil onto the grate with a basting brush to keep the hot dogs from sticking as they cook.

Place the hot dogs on the grate so that they are perpendicular to the ridges. This placement will prevent the hot dogs from falling between the ridges into the bottom of the grill, and it will leave a line of grill marks around every hot dog.

Grill for two minutes, then flip the hot dogs over a quarter turn with grilling tongs. Grill the hot dogs for another minute, then turn them another quarter turn. After another minute, turn the hot dogs another quarter turn to ensure even cooking and grill marks.

Grill for another minute and inspect the hot dogs. They should be lightly browned and crispy, and slightly swollen. If you want your hot dogs to be crispier and have blistered skins, cook them for another minute on each side.

Remove the hot dogs from the grill with the tongs and serve.