Every year, the Big Tex Choice Awards at the State Fair of Texas showcase some strange foods. Most are fried, many are sweet, but all have that unmistakable flavor of midway food. As an example, the 2007 winner was fried cookie dough -- fried, sweet, and something you wouldn't expect to find anywhere but a carnival.
The judging was held on Labor Day, Sep 1 and the winners were Chicken Fried Bacon in the Best Tasting category and Fried Banana Split in the Most Creative category. I don't know how they managed to pick just one for the Most Creative category.
All the foods will be available at the 2008 State Fair.
Fernie’s All-American Fried Grilled Cheese Sandwich
An American classic with a State Fair twist. Two slices of white bread filled with a blend of American and cheddar cheeses, dipped in an egg and milk batter and lightly coated with panko bread crumbs for extra crispness. Served with a side of shoestring potato sticks, a pickle spear and tomato soup dipping sauce. The All American Meal!Chicken Fried Bacon
Winner of the Best Tasting category. Thick and peppery Farm Pac® bacon is seasoned, double-dipped in a special batter and breading and, then, deep-fried. Served with a creamy side of ranch or honey mustard sauce.Fried Banana Split
Winner of the Most Creative category. A mixture of banana and honey peanut butter is rolled in balls, battered and deep-fried and topped with assorted, delicious fixings, including powdered sugar, caramel and chocolate syrups, chopped peanuts, whipped cream and banana split flavored ice cream bites then fittingly crowned with the traditional cherry.Texas Fried Jelly Bellys®
Jelly Bellys are rolled in funnel cake batter and fried to a crunch. People can share the treat with friends and try to guess the flavors of the Jelly Bellys before biting down.Deep Fried S’mores
Marshmallow cream and chocolate chips are sandwiched between two graham crackers, dipped in a feather-light batter and fried to a golden brown. The campfire-inspired treats are dusted in powdered sugar.Fire & Ice
A pineapple ring is battered and deep-fried, then topped with banana-flavored whipped cream that’s been frozen in liquid nitrogen. The smoking concoction is ladled with strawberries and syrup.Fried Chocolate Truffles
A silky-smooth, handmade, dark chocolate truffle is rolled in cocoa powder before being battered and deep-fried. The melting chocolate goodness is dusted in cinnamon, sugar and cocoa powder.Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Waffle Balls
Plump fresh strawberries covered in a thick chocolate shell are dipped in a sweet, waffle batter and deep-fried. Dusted with powdered sugar and served on a stick.
