You'll Never Believe What They Fry At The Texas State Fair (Slideshow)
Fried Bacon Cinnamon Roll — 2012
I think we all can agree that the world would have done just fine without a fried bacon cinnamon roll, but Texas must have thought otherwise. This deep-fried cinnamon roll dipped in a sweet pancake batter, rolled in crispy fried bacon crumbles, deep fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar was featured at the Texas State Fair in 2012. Careful. You gained 50 pounds just by reading this.
Fried Jambalaya — 2012
No, we're not-a-lyin'. This Fried Jambalaya at the 2012 Texas State Fair was made from scratch using shrimp, Cajun sausage, and a sprinkling of other seasonings. The year's most creative dish, Fried Jambalaya is something that could only be done right down South.
Fried PBJ and Banana Sandwich — 2005
How many kids would truly enjoy opening their lunchboxes and finding a deep-fried peanut butter, jelly, and banana sandwich that was thoughtfully (and healthily) dusted with powdered sugar? Either way, this twist on one of America's most traditional sandwiches won the Best Taste award in Big Tex Choice Awards at the 2005 Texas State Fair.
Chicken Fried Bacon — 2008
Really, Texas? As if bacon was not bad enough! Texas went the extra mile in 2008 and decided to make it even worse by double-dipping it in a special batter and lathering on some bread crumbs before adding the golden touch by deep-frying it. Oh, don't forget that your chicken fried bacon would obviously come with a side of creamy ranch or honey mustard sauce.
Fried Jalapeño Shrimp Corndog — 2009
Wait — what? I can barely wrap my mind around this concoction let alone say it correctly. The Sweet Jalapeño Corn Dog Shrimp sounds like a bunch of things that just should never be mixed together, let alone deep-fried, or even worse — enjoyed.
Fried Coke — 2006
Did you remember to order your Coke fried? That's right, fried. A sugary, salty, what's-going-on-in-my-mouth type of deep-fried drish (is it a drink or a dish? Why not both!) — Fried Coke. Enough said.
Fried Cookie Dough — 2007
We all stole a spoonful of cookie dough when Mom wasn't watching, which is why there is something that seems so wrong but yet so right about Texas Fried Cookie Dough. Another winner of the Best Taste Award, Texas Fried Cookie Dough was the stand-out treat at the 2007 state fair. Thank you for making cookie dough all the more tempting, Texas.
Texas Fried Jelly Beans — 2008
There are a couple of things about Texas Fried Jelly Beans that will surprise you. The first is that they exist, and second is that you'll never really know what flavor you are in for. Thankfully we don't live in Harry Potter's wizarding world. Imagine your surprise if you were to bite into a vomit-flavored jelly bean that's been deep-fried? No thanks.
Zesty Fried Guacamole Bites — 2007
Talk about taking Tex-Mex to a new (or should we say deeper?) level. Zesty Fried Guacamole Bites sound like something should be outlawed. Creamy avocado mixed with a heap of cheese, and then fried? Once again, Texas, your creativity is something that could be found in no other state.
Southern-style Chicken Fried Meatloaf — 2013
Which came first, the chicken or the meatloaf? This 2013 Texas State Fair delicacy just seems like mom got a little bored come dinner time. "Kids, chicken-fried meatloaf is on the table!" It doesn't really have the same ring to it, does it? Oh, Texas, you've struck gold once again.
Fried Beer — 2010
Texas was really thinking outside the box (or the six-pack) with this one. These beer-filled pretzel pockets were featured at the 2010 Texas State Fair. I wonder if this is how Texas tailgates? Either way, you must be 21 or older to bite.
Deep Fried Texas Salsa — 2011
Something has gone wrong here. Aren't we supposed to dip things in salsa, not dip salsa into other dips? That's right, this deep-fried salsa came with some creamy queso to dip it into. Yet another dipp-icult deep-fried Texas snack that seems like it's disappeared down the rabbit hole at the Texas State Fair in 2011.
Fried Bubblegum — 2011
This is the kind of gum you won't get in trouble for swallowing — probably because it is really a marshmallow with a touch of bubblegum flavoring, all of which dipped is in batter and then fried. Not decadent enough? Don't worry. The Fried Bubblegum wouldn't be complete with swirls of icing around it and powdered sugar sprinkled on top.
Deep-Fried Frozen Margarita — 2010
Drinking (or eating?) this deep-fried treat sounds like the unfriendly meeting of a stomachache and a hangover. It also sounds like you need to be 21 to try it. The Deep-Fried Frozen Margarita — where sweet and creamy funnel cake batter meets margarita ingredients.
Fried Thanksgiving Dinner — 2013
This would be the mother of food comas and quite the twisted holiday. The Fried Thanksgiving Dinner won the most creative dish at the 2013 Texas State Fair, and for good reason. Imagine your mom's homemade stuffing and diced roasted turkey rolled into a ball, dipped in southern cream corn and rolled in seasoned corn meal — all fried up and ready to be devoured. Of course no Thanksgiving is complete without some gravy and cranberry sauce, but Texas would never dare to leave that out! Both were available for Texans' dipping pleasure.