The 5 Best Things I Ate At The Texas State Fair

RE: BUZZFEED FOOD APPLICATION *arteries flinch with horror*

DFW Happenings / Via dfwhappenings.com

There's an elite group of Americans who have the esteemed job of testing the theory that anything can be fried. Fry some ice cream? Sure. Fry a tequila shot? Child's play. Fry a sock? I mean, if it works, why not? These magicians hold office at the state fairs of the good ole U S of A. This may be up for debate, but the Texas State Fair knows what they are dong when it comes to fried food. Here are the favorites I tried:

Honorable Mention: Fried Beer

Big Tex / Via bigtex.com

I have to applaud the makers of Fried Beer, simply because I have no idea how they accomplished that feat. It tasted a bit strange because of the wafting beer steam that I experienced when I took the first bite of this strange dough pocket, but figuring out how to deep fry an alcoholic liquid is commendable at the very least.

5. Fried Pb&J

Dallas Observer / Via dallasobserver.com

America's favorite sandwich was somehow made even more American. The sandwich itself was peanut butter and banana, then it was fried and drizzled with grape jelly. The bread served as a sponge for the oil, which wasn’t too pleasant especially texturally, but the oozing peanut butter and fresh jelly on top was divine.

4. Golden Fried Millionaire Pie

Big Tex / Via bigtex.com

It had a sweetened, fluffy cream cheese filling that was loaded with pineapple and Texas pecans then wrapped in a flaky piecrust and fried to a golden brown. It was topped with whipped cream, toasted coconut and candied pecans. I have never been a cream cheese-filling fan, but this was an amazing combination of textures and flavors. I was on a sweet tooth overload and couldn’t possibly finish but it was the perfect end to my day.

3. Fernie’s Deep Fried King Ranch Casserole

Big Tex / Via bigtex.com

This was a Texan masterpiece. First off, it was shaped like the state of Texas. Second, It was covered in queso. If that alone doesn’t have you convinced, it was ooey-gooey savory perfection that had just enough kick to calm the richness. It was probably one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.

2. Fried Cuban Roll

Dallas Morning News / Via thescoopblog.dallasnews.com

The Cuban sandwich is a Cuban classic and is a leading player for a cuisine that doesn’t get nearly enough attention here in Texas. It had a filling of slow-cooked pork shoulder, chopped ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and secret sauce That was spread onto a slice of Swiss cheese, rolled up in pastry dough and deep fried. It was served with a delicious side of mojo sauce for dipping. My favorite sandwich was made so much better with that extra greasy, crisp, and a top-notch filling. The Fried Cuban Roll was the 2013 winner for Best Taste at the “Big Tex Choice Awards”, and I absolutely understand why.

1. Fried Thanksgiving Dinner

Big Tex / Via bigtex.com

I think the title pretty much speaks for itself. It was basically homemade stuffing and diced roasted turkey rolled in a ball. Then it was dipped in Southern cream corn, rolled in seasoned cornmeal and fried to a golden brown. It was served with old-fashioned brown gravy and a tangy orange cranberry sauce for dipping. It was honestly nirvana on a paper plate. I was silent for at least seven minutes after trying my first bite. You HAVE to try this one.