Who wants fair food?

Every Fall my mind shifts to food. Don't get me wrong I love to eat and can put down a hefty plate but normally I just make regular dinners and the typical dessert. Nothing too crazy or exciting. Mostly meals that are quick and easy.  Like tacos or baked chicken but when it's Fall my mind moves to new ideas and fun dishes.

The last two nights I made a new dessert. Maybe not new but new to me and it got me thinking about the fair and all their wonderful choices. Fried bacon dipped in chocolate, Fried Twinkies, Giant chicken legs, and yummy smoked ribs! Oh, my gosh!

So tonight I'm going to give you some of my all time fair food recipes. I searched far and wide....no not really! Most were fairly easy, which made my day.

Let's start with the meat!

By meat, I am talking about pulled pork. It's not a fair without it and can't be left off my list.

1. Pulled Pork

Recipe for pulled pork here:

Well, you can just eat meat..now can you? How about a side with that?

Why I'm glad you mentioned that. Your side this evening is something no fair can be without...something fried!

So I've got Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls! Nothing is more of a comfort food than mac and cheese. Just thinking of it makes me think of being a kid. Well, now we are grown-ups and we can't just eat plain ole mac and cheese! Heck No! We must fry it!

2. Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Recipe here:

Okay, are you stuffed? Not yet? Good, let's continue on to the dessert!

My first dessert is super yummy. You can smell it frying before you even get there! Funnel Cake, a new family favorite.  I've made this for two nights in a row. Super light and fluffy! Perfect fair dessert!

3. Funnel Cake

This is my Funnel Cake Chicken! LOL, I made all sorts of 

weird shapes that night! 

Recipe here:

If you are more of a cinnamon sugar fan? Maybe you'd prefer Elephant Ears! These giant fried dough pies, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar is the main reason I go to the fair. Until now, I've not had the recipe. UNTIL NOW, MMUUAAHAAHHAA!

Oh, my heart is so pleased.  Life is complete!  Then I read the recipe. How did I not know this? Way easy and super basic. Those people are making a killing.

4. Elephant Ears

Recipe here:

Now our first recipe, you know..the pulled pork? Well, that wouldn't be perfect without homemade Pretzel Buns. Yes, I said Pretzel Buns! Golden,  soft, and salty buns. They make the world go round. Or was the flat bottom girls? Doesn't matter. Those babies are so good and can be made into any sandwiches.  Turkey, ham, pork, chicken, or steak.

5. Pretzel Buns For the Pulled Pork

Recipe here:

Homemade Pretzel Buns

Homemade Pretzel Buns

Ingredients

1/2 C Water
1/2 C Milk
2 T Butter, soft
3 C Flour all-purpose
2 T Brown Sugar
2 1/4 tea Instant Yeast
2 tea Salt
1 Egg separated 
Cornmeal
3/4 C Baking Soda

To make the buns combine water, milk, butter and heat in microwave for 45 seconds. 

Next, add the instant yeast and let stand for 5 mins to proof. 

Then add the yolk and dry ingredients. Knead together for 5 minutes to completely mix all ingredients together. 

Let rise for 1 hour in a warm place in the kitchen. Or place in a warmed oven of 150 with a towel or light covering. 

Heat a pop of water to boiling. Add the baking soda to the water. 

Divide dough into small bun sizes. Your choice of how big or small.

Form ball in your hand and then pull the top to the bottom to make a smooth finished top. 

Make all pieces before going to the next step. 

Then add two or three buns to your baking soda water mixture. Boil in water for 30 seconds a side. This helps give your pretzels their nice dark and shiny look.

Remove from water and drain to remove excess water. Place on cornmeal cookie sheet.  The baking soda will make them stick even to a greased pan. I've found this works wonders. Slice a small slit in the tops of the buns lengthwise. 

Bake at 375 for 10-15 minutes. Remove when they are your desired golden brown. 

Eat with dip or use to make a killer sandwich with pulled pork or your favorite lunch meat.