Fabulous Fair Foods

October 01, 2012
Photo: Jennifer Davick; Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns; Prop Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham
It’s not fall without a fair, but most importantly, fair food. But if you missed the fair this year, we’ve got you covered with recipes that are fried and true (sans the long lines).
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Funnel Cake Ice-Cream Sandwiches 

Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Styling: Audrey Davis
Funnel Cake Ice-Cream Sandwiches  Recipe

Make these for your next party and watch them disappear faster than you can say "funnel cake." The ice cream add-ins are suggestions, but you can use whatever you like--such as chopped candy bars, toasted and chopped nuts, or marshmallows. You can also roll the edges in toppings like sprinkles, graham cracker crumbs, or crushed Oreos. Keep in mind that hot oil is critical to a crispy funnel cake, so use a candy thermometer to monitor and maintain the oil's temperature.

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Deep-Fried Oreos

Photo: Jessica Snead
Deep-Fried Oreos Recipe
Everyone's favorite indulgent fair food is quick and easy to make at home. Pancake mix creates a fluffy, golden-brown fried dough and yields a warm and melty Oreo creme center!

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Churro Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches

Photo: Thomas J. Story
Churro Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe
Plug in your waffle iron for a sinful, sweet treat! Prepare yourself: These decadent ice cream sandwiches are next-level delicious. Mouth-watering, cinnamon-sugar churros (waffled) pair perfectly with large scoops of ice cream and a chocolaty drizzle.
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Fried Apple Pies

Photo: Melina Hammer; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham
Fried Apple Pies Recipe
There's enough filling to make a second batch of these delicious, fall-inspired handheld pies, or you can freeze it for later.

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Grinder

Photo: Oxmoor House
Grinder Recipe
The grinder is a specialty served at the Iowa State Fair, home to some of the nation’s richest and most waist-expanding treats. Still a hefty meal-in-one, this rendition takes a lighter approach. We cut the size in half (always a good place to start) and substituted fresh mushrooms for some of the fatty meat.

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Chili-Corn Chip Pie

Photo: John Autry
Chili-Corn Chip Pie Recipe
This recipe is a healthy version of Fritos Chili Pie. Often served from concession stands at fairs, festivals, and sporting events, this crowd-pleaser usually involves splitting the bag of chips open, ladling chili into the bag, and then topping with cheese, onions, and other garnishes.
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Beer-Battered Corn Dogs

Photo: Greg Dupree; Styling: Rachel Burrow and Claire Spollen
Beer-Battered Corn Dogs Recipe
These crispy corn dogs will rival just about any festival or fair's version. The key here is to work with one hot dog at a time for the perfect golden batter crust.

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Bacon-Pretzel-Peanut Butter Caramel Apples

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen
Bacon-Pretzel-Peanut Butter Caramel Apples Recipe
Prepare to swoon when you take a bite of this luscious apple dipped in caramel, bacon, and peanut butter coated pretzels.

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Fried Green Tomato BLT

Photo: Daniel Lawson; Styling: Amy Stone
Fried Green Tomato BLT Recipe
We paired a Southern favorite with a classic sandwich to create this ultimate fried stacker. This recipe makes 2 sandwiches.
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Fried Strawberry Pies

Fried Strawberry Pies Recipe
The fair only comes once every fall, so spurge a little on these Fried Strawberry Pies. Freeze the pies before to prevent the crusts from disintegrating in the hot oil. Don’t forget to hide one for yourself before they all get away.

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Buttermilk-Soaked, Bacon-Fried Chicken in Gravy

Photo: John Lee
Buttermilk-Soaked, Bacon-Fried Chicken in Gravy Recipe
This recipe is full of Southern flavor that comes from soaking chicken in a buttermilk and hot sauce marinade before frying with bacon drippings in a skillet.

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Beer-Battered Fried Pickles

Photo: Ralph Anderson; Styling: Leigh Anne Montgomery
Beer-Battered Fried Pickles Recipe
There’s nothing better than a crunchy pickle battered and fried. These deep-fried dills are equal parts savory and sour, for a taste we promise you’ll love.
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Corn Dogs

Photo: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Basil Friedman
Corn Dogs Recipe
Foods on sticks are certainly fair favorites. These are daintier, fluffier versions of the midway mainstays, but they still go great with the ubiquitous mustard and ketchup combo.

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Beer-Battered Fried Onion Rings

Beer-Battered Fried Onion Rings Recipe
On a burger or on the side, onion rings are a fried favorite. Bring the fair to your family with these beer-battered beauties.

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Grilled Corn on the Cob

Photo: Marcus Nilsson; Styling: Angharad Bailey
Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe
Grilled in its husk, the corn takes on a wonderful, lightly charred flavor while its sugars caramelize and intensify. Add lemon pepper and butter for the full fair flavor.
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Candied Apples

Candied Apples Recipe
Candied apples are half healthy, right? Nevertheless, make a batch of these and gift the flavors of the fair family and friends.

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Caramel Apples

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Buffy Hargett
Caramel Apples Recipe
Sweet caramel covering tart apples are a fun fair food to make at home. Get your kids to help by letting them roll warm caramel apples in creative toppings.

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Boiled Peanuts

Jennifer Davick
Boiled Peanuts Recipe
A brown bag of boiled peanuts are a tempting midway treat. You can find dried peanuts in the produce section of your local supermarket or at a farmers market. Store cooked peanuts in the refrigerator up to three days.
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Grilled Chicken Legs

Becky Luigart-Stayner
Grilled Chicken Legs Recipe
Chicken legs (and turkey legs) are the most beloved meat on the midway. Make your own Marinated Grilled Chicken Legs laced with flavors of citrus juice and soy sauce. The smoke from the grill will give it that fall flavor you redolent of the fair.

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Pulled Pork Sandwich

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns; Prop Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham
Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe
This piled-high Pulled Pork Sandwich is a staple at Southern fairs, whether Carolina-style or Memphis-style, you can’t go wrong.
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