These days, every state fair features fried food that absolutely boggles the mind. Still . . . when I want to find the TRUE innovators of deep frying, I look to Texas.
--The State Fair of Texas has announced the finalists for its annual Big Tex Choice Awards . . . which are given to the best tasting and most creative new foods from the fair each year. This year, all eight finalists are deep fried. Here they are . . .
--Deep fried S'mores Pop Tart. A S'mores Pop Tart covered in batter and fried.
--Deep fried frozen margarita. Funnel cake batter is mixed with a margarita, then deep fried and covered with a lemon/lime mixture. Served in a salt-rimmed glass.
--Fried club salad. A 12-inch spinach wrap with ham, chicken, lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, cheddar and bacon inside is deep fried. Then it's topped with fried sourdough croutons on a stick and served with dressing.
--Fried beer. A beer-filled pretzel pouch is deep fried.
--Fried chocolate. A white chocolate candy bar and cherry are stuffed in a brownie, dipped in chocolate cake batter and deep fried.
--Texas fried caviar. It's not real caviar. Black-eyed peas are deep fried and laced with special spices.
--Texas fried Frito pie. Chili and cheddar are encased in a giant corn chip. Then it's battered and fried.
--Fried lemonade. A pastry is made with Country Time lemonade, then fried.
--The winners of the award will be announced Labor Day weekend.