State Fair Recipes

June 7, 2014

State fairs are all about the bests and the biggests, the strongest oxen and fastest horses, the most perfectly spherical tomatoes and most delicious pies. Bring the summertime flavors of a state fair home with recipes for everything from spicy corn dogs to hearty chili to crunchy bread and butter pickles. These recipes first appeared in our June/July 2012 issue along with Jane and Michael Stern's story Fair and Square.

Corn Dogs

Deep-fried, hand-held, and delicious with a smear of mustard, corn dogs are quintessential summertime fair food. This version boasts a flavorful batter spiked with cayenne and tangy buttermilk. See the recipe for Corn Dogs »Penny de los Santos

Ham Loaf

A signature dish at the Hamline United Methodist Church's dining hall at the Minnesota State Fair, this rendition of meat loaf uses ground ham spiced with curry powder, ginger, and cloves, and is glazed with a sweet, vinegar-based sauce. See the recipe for Ham Loaf »Penny de los Santos
Peach Melba Pie

Peach Melba Pie

Peach and raspberry is a classic combination for pie filling—this particular recipe is a blue ribbon winner from Minnesotan Jean Peno.Penny De Los Santos

Chili

Beef and kidney beans spiced with chile powder, garlic, and paprika star in a simple, hearty chili. See the recipe for Chili »Penny de los Santos
Bread and Butter Pickles

Bread and Butter Pickles

Sweet, crunchy bread and butter pickles are the perfect reprieve from fried foods.Penny De Los Santos
Swedish Egg Coffee

Swedish Egg Coffee

Even lesser-quality coffee becomes something special when made with the unusual addition of a beaten egg.Penny De Los Santos

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