Fabulous Fair Food Right at Home
By Michelle Ann Anderson

Topping our family's list of things to do at the fair is visit the animals, check out the home craft exhibits, and snack on tasty fair foods.  Here are some fun adaptations of some of our favorites that are easy to make right at home.

Corn Dog Lollipops

This whimsical take on the classic corn dog is perfect for little hands.

Ingredients:

1 egg
¾ cup milk
1 (8.5-ounce) package cornbread mix
4 hot dogs, cut into ½" slices

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 400°. Coat two miniature muffin pans with cooking spray.

2.  Whisk together the egg and milk in a medium bowl.  Stir in the cornbread mix until just moistened.

3. Spoon cornbread batter into muffin pans until about  one-quarter full.  Place a hot dog round on a wooden toothpick and place into the muffin pan.  Spoon more batter over the hot dog round until just covered.

4. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until golden brown.  Cool in the pan for five minutes.  Remove to a cooling rack.  Serve with bowls of ketchup and mustard for dipping.

For a fun change, stir in ½  cup of shredded cheese into the cornmeal batter.

Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

Sweet cinnamon flavor topped with cream cheese icing...and so easy to make!

Ingredients:

Cinnamon Rolls

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 (1-pound) loaf frozen bread dough, thawed, and risen once
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
½ cup raisins (optional)

Icing

1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
¼ cup butter, softened
1½ cups confectioners' sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350.  Coat a 9" × 12" baking pan with cooking spray.  Set aside.

2. Beat together the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.  Set aside.

3. Roll dough into a 12" × 6" rectangle.  Spread filling evenly over dough. Sprinkle with nuts and raisins if using.  Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with the long edge. Cut into 12 equal pieces. Place, cut side down, in the prepared baking pan. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until double in size. Uncover and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden.

 4. Beat together the cream cheese, butter, sugar, and vanilla in a medium bowl. While cinnamon rolls are still hot, spread evenly with the icing using an offset spatula or rubber scraper.  Serve warm.

Soft Pretzels

Frozen dinner roll dough makes quick work of these fair favorites!

Ingredients:

6 frozen dinner roll balls, thawed but not risen
1 T. baking soda
Assorted Toppings: kosher salt, garlic salt, Parmesan or Asiago cheese, sesame or poppy seeds, cinnamon sugar
 
Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375.

2. Roll each dough ball into a long (14-16 inches) rope.  Form into a pretzel shape.

3. Coat two baking sheets with cooking spray.  Lay pretzels onto prepared baking sheet.  Cover with a damp cloth; let rise for 20-45 minutes or until doubled in size.

4. Bring a large stockpot half-full of water to a boil; stir in the baking soda.  Gently lower pretzels into the water and cook for one minute, turning halfway through cooking.  Drain on a cooling rack.  Sprinkle with desired topping.

5. Place pretzels back onto prepared baking sheet.  Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden.

For extra fun, provide cups of melted cheese, peanut butter, or ranch dressing to dip the pretzels in after baking.

Besides her two favorite jobs of wife and mom, Michelle Ann Anderson is also a freelance writer, enjoys public speaking, writing cookbooks and sharing her love of food with those around her.

Sidebar

The Western Idaho Fair 2008

"Play Your Heart Out"   -   August 15-24

The 10-day Fair offers so much to see and do!  Check out the agricultural exhibit competitions, music concerts, carnival rides, your favorite foods, and more! Go to idahofair.com for a complete schedule of event, exhibits, entertainment, and ticket information, or call 287-5650.

Get more FAIR, for your FARE by ordering advance tickets online to this year's Fair-now through August 14!

Carnival Bundles:

• Family Pack, 4 gate admissions and two wristbands: $60
• The Mini Mega, unlimited rides for 10 days: $79
• The Mighty Mega, unlimited rides and admission for 10 days: $119
• And, save on advance single day gate admission and wristbands too!

FAMILY DAY

Monday, August 18
Noon-5pm
Non-alcohol, non-smoking all day.

Wristband and admission:  $20