There will come a time when your kids stop regarding you as cool and see you for what you are — corny.

Keep it at bay with local dad and restaurateur Geoff Tracy’s special summer corn dog recipe.

Summer Corn Dogs
Makes about 24

Ingredients
1 c. flour
2/3 c. yellow cornmeal
2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
1 egg
¾ c. milk
2 tsp. canola oil
1 lb. package hot dogs (turkey, beef, pork, or chicken)
24 6-inch-long bamboo skewers
Canola oil for frying

1. Pour canola oil into a two-quart pot until the oil is about four inches deep. Turn on medium heat and bring it carefully up to 375º. (Try to manipulate the heat to maintain that temperature.)

2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a second bowl, whisk together egg, milk, and oil.

4. Pour the egg, milk, and oil mixture into the flour mixture and whisk to combine.

5. Cut each hot dog into thirds.

6. Skewer a piece of hot dog on each skewer.

7. Dip two of the hot dog skewers into the batter.

8. Gently submerge the skewered dogs into the hot oil for about 90 seconds.

9. Remove and place on paper towels.

10. Serve with ketchup and mustard.

Because nothing’s cooler to a kid than meat on a stick.

Taste more from Geoff Tracy at Chef Geoff’s Tysons, 8045 Leesburg Pike, Vienna (571-282-6003); Chef Geoff’s Downtown, 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, between E and F Streets (202-464-4461); Chef Geoff’s, 3201 New Mexico Avenue NW, between Embassy Park Drive and Sutton Place (202-237-7800).

DO
Washington Kastles
What: Aspiring Federers can watch the pro tennis team finals, meet players, and get autographs and free racquets at the end.
Why: What’s not to love?
When: Sun., 5 p.m.
Where: Kastles Stadium, CityCenter, 11th & H Sts. NW (202-483-6647). Tickets online at washingtonkastles.com.

DRINK
Stroller Happy Hour
What: Hit the new Blue Ridge to get $1 oysters, $3 beers, and $5 glasses of vino; house-made lemonade and caffeine-free tisane “cocktails” for small drinkers.
Why: Not all bottles have nipples.
When: Thurs., 5-7 p.m.
Where: 2340 Wisconsin Ave. NW, b/t Calvert St. & Hall Pl. (202-333-4004).

REGISTER
Fontaine Caffe & Creperie Cooking Class
What: The kitchen series for kids teaches them to make traditional French treats.
Why: Get rolling.
When: Classes, July 28-30, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sign up now at 703-535-8151.
Where: 119 S. Royal St., Alexandria (703-535-8151).

Photo : Steve Terrell / Flickr