There’s nothing like a state fair for culinary offerings that push the envelope. It is an opportunity for creative chefs to deep fry things you never thought to deep fry and serve things on a stick you never thought to skewer. The amusement rides and carnival games might attract fairgoers, but let’s face it … they really come for the fair food. This collection of 23 forgotten state fair foods takes us beyond the classic elephant ears and cotton candy to show us that questionable cuisine is a uniquely American phenomenon.
#1: Fried Jell-O
Take a dollop of fruit-flavored gelatin, smother it in batter, and deep fry it in a vat of hot oil until the outer shell is crispy and golden brown, and – Voila! – you have fried Jell-O. This delightful dish is often topped with powdered sugar, so it has the look and taste of a jelly-filled pastry.
