Images Courtesy of State Fair of Texas
The State Fair of Texas is just a month away, and we know what that means. In a few weeks, we will dive into a whole lot of tasty fried foods. And today we have a better idea of what new dishes will be available when their gates open.
The 2018 Big Tex Choice Awards finalists have been named, and it's sure getting us excited about the days ahead. These 10 concepts were narrowed down from 49 entries from 30 concessionaires based on their uniqueness, creativity, presentation and, of course, taste.
First on the list is the Arroz con Leche (Sweet Crispy Rice) made by the Garza Family. This cinnamon-spiced rice ball battered and coated in crispy puffed rice cereal is deep fried and sprinkled with powdered vanilla and powdered cinnamon crowns and drizzled with caramel sauce.
For a great Instagrammable selection, try the Cotton Candy Taco made by Justin and Rudy Martinez. This s'more-inspired dish starts out with a graham cracker waffle cone that's pressed into a taco shell. The inside is then coated with marshmallow glaze and stuffed with chocolate, toasted marshmallows and organic cane sugar cotton candy. To top it off, they add a handful of chocolate cookie crumbles and two chocolate cream-covered biscuit sticks with marshmallows.
On the savory side, guests can try Clint Probst's Deep Fried Shepherd's Pie, “mashed potato pillows” mixed with cheddar cheese and cream that are filled with Grandma's shepherd's pie filling.
For more cheesy goodness, try Tom Grace's Deep Fried Skillet Potato Melt in a Boat. Described as a tater tot on steroids, these griddled skillet potatoes are mixed with diced sausage patties and packed around a mini Babybel cheese loaf. It's then rolled in flour and fried until the outer layer breaks with a crunch. Its then served with potato skins and topped with melted cheddar and crispy bacon bits.
There will also be Fernie's Hoppin' John Cake with Jackpot Sauce by the Winter Family, an iconic southern New Year's Eve dish made with a twist. It combines classic ingredients like black-eyed peas, white rice, smoked sausage and green onions to create a Texas-sized cake that is then breaded in egg wash, flour and breadcrumbs before being deep fried. And the dipping sauce makes each bite full of flavor.
Fried food can be good for you if it includes vegetables, right? Justin and Rudy Martinez test that theory with their Texas Fried Hill Country. They sandwich fried mozzarella and basil between green tomatoes before hand-breading and flash-frying the stack. It's then served on a bed of field greens topped with balsamic drizzle and local honey.
For a heartier dish, try Chris and Sherry Howard's Texas Twang-kie, a cornbread cake hollowed out and filled with Tex-Mex grilled chicken white bean chili. There is nothing sweet about this innovative dish served with cornbread fries and extra chili on the side for dipping purposes.
You can finish off your fried meal with some fried desserts by trying the Winter Family Concession's Fernie's Orange You Glad We Fried It?! – a puff pastry served turnover style filled with a custard made of layered chiffon orange cake, whipped cream and orange preserves.
Or for a sweet and savory combination, order Ed and Eddie Campbell's Sweet Bakin' Bacon – a cream-filled sponge cake wrapped in bacon and dipped in funnel cake batter before being deep-fried and dusted with powdered sugar.
For a creamy option, try Tom Landis' State Fair Fun-L Cake Ice Cream, an ice cream infused with funnel cake pieces and powdered sugar.
Winners for “Best Taste – Sweet,” “Best Taste – Savory” and “Most Creative will be announced on Sunday, August 26. But you can always try them all and cast your own opinions. One thing is for sure, we'll be heading to Fair Park hungry.
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