Carnivals and fairs are probably going to be canceled this year and who knows if they will be able to resume next year. But, instead of feeling the loss of fun times, why not create some at home? Here are some recipes to help you make carnival and fair favorites in your own kitchen!
Deep-Fried Oreos
https://www.keyingredient.com/recipes/540061477/deep-fried-fair-foods/
One of the newer carnival favorites is a deep-fried oreo. I love Oreos and I love nearly everything I’ve ever tried deep-fried but I was honestly skeptical about this odd fair treat. To my surprise, it was delicious and rich!
Ingredients
- 1 (20 ounces) package Oreo cookies
- 2 cups Bisquick
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 3 teaspoons oil
- vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)
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Instructions
- Blend Bisquick, eggs, milk, and 3 tsp oil until smooth.
- Preheat your deep fryer to about 375°F (use a thermometer if you wish to deep fry in a pan).
- Dip the cookies in the batter mixture until totally covered and then place in the hot oil (cookies will float).
- Keep checking and turn over the cookie when the bottom side of Oreo is brown.
- Keep a close watch because it only takes a short time to brown.
- Remove cookies and eat warm.
Carnival Funnel Cake
https://theseasidebaker.com/carnival-funnel-cake/
Probably one of the most well known fair foods is funnel cake and it is popular for a reason! It’s a hot, crispy, and sweet dessert!
Ingredients
Homemade Carnival Funnel Cake
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups of vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
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Instructions
***In an eight-inch skillet, heat the oil to 360 degrees F.****
- In a blender, combine the eggs, vanilla, and milk.
- Pulse mix a few times.
- Add the granulated sugar and pulse again a few times.
- Combine the flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
- Add flour mix to egg/milk mixture in 1/2 cup increments, pulsing the blender a few times after each addition.
- If you are like me and do not have a funnel, place batter in a Ziploc bag.
- When the oil is hot, cut the tip of the bag and pour approximately 1/2 it into the hot oil while making a circular motion.
- Carefully, use tongs and wide spatula to turn the cake over when golden brown.
- Fry the second side one minute, remove and drain on paper towels.
- Sprinkle with sifted confectioners’ sugar, and garnish with strawberries and whip cream.
Homemade State Fair Corn Dogs
Another carnival classic, the corndog! This one has also been around for generations and is often enjoyed with ketchup or mustard!
Ingredients
- 2 cups yellow cornmeal
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups of milk
- 4 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 2 16 ounce packages beef frankfurters
- 16 wooden skewers
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, sugar, and baking powder. Stir in eggs, milk, and honey. Mix until smooth.
- Pour batter into a tall mason jar or large glass; set aside.
- Preheat 3 inches of vegetable or peanut oil in a deep heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat to 350 degrees.
- Skewer hot dogs by inserting the sticks halfway up the center of the hot dog.
- Using a clean paper towel, blot the excess moisture from the hot dogs to dry them slightly.
- Dip the skewered hot dogs into the batter, tilting the glass and rolling the hot dog skewer back and forth to coat completely. Gently place into the hot grease.
- Fry 2 or 3 corn dogs at a time until lightly browned, turning occasionally, about 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm with yellow mustard and ketchup.
