Deep-Fried Happiness

I know. We here at Zomppa talk about eating well, organically, locally…please forgive me as I indulge you with my recent gluttonous trip to the NC State Fair. It wasn’t necessarily organic…or healthy…but sure was local. I’m from New England originally and we don’t really have this “whole lotta happy” where I’m from. Last year was my first experience ever to a state fair and I was hooked. This year, Cake Mountain Man, and our dear friends, Lawrence and Philippe (of shrimp provencale fame) came along with me.

I am going to try and restrain (unlike I did at the fair) with words and simply show you why you need to go to a state fair.

Of course, the preferred way to get there is a $1 bus ride that saves on gas, pollution, and parking.

First things first, good ole’ NC hush puppies (DELICIOUS), followed quickly by a grilled Italian sausage juicy and plump, finished by chewy, doughy, perfectly oily Elephant Ears.

I then literally accosted a young lady who was carrying something reminiscent of one of my favorite shows, Arrested Development. I had to have one: frozen bananas dipped in chocolate and sprinkles.

There were animals real and made of recycled plastics, optimists, a “green tent,” blue ribbon baked goods, and honorable mentioned peppers.

And…deep fried Reese’s Peanut Cups. These were absolutely one of my favorites. Sweet, but not too sweet, doughy, warm.

Tried some deep fried Snickers and Oreos….

Deep fried Twinkies…wonderfulness!

From the beginning, however, I was on the hunt for the famous chocolate-covered bacon. I love the chocolate bacon cupcakes from DaisyCakes, made as a perfectly blended sweet/salty. I love the chocolate bacon paletas from Locopops, a creamy savory. I had checked out blogger Ginny from the Blog to find out where they sold it and there I marked it on the map. Sadly, these sounded better than they tasted. The bacon wasn’t quite cooked enough to have that crispy saltiness that combines so well with velvety sweetness. This bacon was still a bit on the soggy/oily side, so I was a bit disappointed.

Needed a break from that for awhile. I swear I didn’t eat EVERYTHING at the fair. It was too cold for the best ice cream made by NC State. I didn’t eat the roasted corn, the bloomin’ onion, or deep fried pickles.

After playing a few carnival games, watching the judging of the cows, and neoprene-outfitted goats, I was hungry again. So we ended the day with some fries, bbq pulled pork, (another) Italian sausage, and chicken-on-a-stick, which was surprisingly tender and juicy.

When we went home, I swear we ate another dinner.

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