Unfortunately many of us were unable to visit our favorite state and county fairs this year due to the pandemic. But there’s no reason you need to skip fun fair foods. Here are some fair favorites that you can make at home.
Tasty Corn Dogs
It’s easy to make this fair favorite. All you need are simple ingredients (yes, including milk), and just 20 minutes to turn regular hot dogs into delicious snacks or even a meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 package (8-1/2 ounces) cornbread/muffin mix
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 10 hot dogs
- 10 wooden skewers
- Oil for deep-fat frying
Directions: In a large bowl, combine the first 7 ingredients. In another bowl, whisk milk and egg; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Let stand for 15 minutes. Insert skewers into hot dogs; dip into batter. In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry corn dogs, a few at a time, until golden brown, 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels.
Fun Funnel Cakes
What’s a fair without this sweet treat? Better than a doughnut, more portable than cake – and yum!
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Oil for deep-fat frying
- Confectioners’ sugar
Directions: In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add milk, water, and vanilla until well blended. In another bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; beat into egg mixture until smooth. In a deep cast-iron or electric skillet, heat oil to 375°. Cover the bottom of a funnel spout with your finger; ladle 1/2 cup batter into the funnel. Holding the funnel several inches above the oil, release your finger and move the funnel in a spiral motion until all the batter is released, scraping with a rubber spatula if needed. Fry until golden brown, 2 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels. Dust with confectioners’ sugar; serve warm.
Fair Fried Ice Cream
Think ice cream has to be in a cone? Think again!
Ingredients:
- 1-quart vanilla ice cream
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- Whipped cream and caramel ice cream topping, optional
Directions: Preheat oven to 350°. Using a 1/2-cup ice cream scoop, place 8 scoops of ice cream on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, combine brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Stir in cornflakes. Transfer to an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake until lightly browned, 4-6 minutes. Cool completely. Roll ice cream balls in crumb mixture. Cover and freeze until firm, at least 1 hour. If desired, serve with toppings.
For more suggestions, check out this list of other fair foods to make at home.
