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–+ servings
Frank a Bobs
Frank Kebabs is a mid-century style supper that blends savory meats with fruit-forward sweetness, reflecting a time when home cooks eagerly experimented with contrasts of flavor and texture. The recipe combines broiled frankfurters alternated with pineapple chunks and brushed with oil, mustard, and barbecue sauce, alongside a baked veal dish enriched with squash, apples, citrus juice, honey, and crystallized ginger. Popular during the era of casual entertaining and family dinners, dishes like this highlighted convenience foods paired with fresh produce. What makes Frank a Bobs unique is its balance of smoky, tangy, and gently sweet notes, creating a hearty yet playful meal that feels both nostalgic and surprisingly modern.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb frankfurters
  • 2 cups pineapple chunks
  • 2 tbsp salad oil
  • 2 tbsp mustard
  • 2 tbsp barbecue sauce
  • 2 lb veal (cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 1 acorn squash (medium, cut into 2-inch pieces)
  • 4 apples (medium, quartered)
  • 1 cup frozen orange juice (thawed)
  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup crystallized ginger (chopped )
  • ¾ tsp marjoram leaves (crushed )

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Frankfurters

  • Cut each frankfurter into 5 pieces.
  • Alternate pieces with pineapple chunks on skewers.

Step 2: Broil the Franks

  • Brush skewers lightly with salad oil.
  • Broil on medium heat for 7–10 minutes, turning frequently until browned.

Step 3: Finish the Franks

  • During the last 3–4 minutes, brush with mustard and barbecue sauce.

Step 4: Assemble the Veal Dish

  • Place veal cubes, squash pieces, and apple quarters in a 3-inch-deep baking pan.

Step 5: Add the Sauce

  • In a bowl, mix orange juice, honey, crystallized ginger, and marjoram.
  • Pour evenly over the veal and fruit.

Step 6: Bake

  • Bake uncovered in a medium oven (350°F) for about 30 minutes, until veal is tender.

Tips

  • Substitute pork or chicken for veal if preferred.
  • Use fresh orange juice for brighter citrus flavor.
  • Add cinnamon for extra warmth.
  • Grill the skewers outdoors during BBQ season.
  • Swap pineapple for peaches when in season.
  • Serve over rice to soak up juices.
  • Add onions to the baking pan for more depth.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 32gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 980mgPotassium: 820mgFiber: 6gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 4200IUVitamin C: 38mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 3.8mg
Keyword baked veal, broiled franks, fruit and meat, midcentury cooking, sweet and savory, vintage dinner
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