Fair Days

This is the time of year when almost every state has its' fair.There are also little ones, usually that towns or local churches hold. All have one thing in common. Carnival food. I have fond memories of going for my church's special clam chowder along with crispy fries. There's also the typical fair food as well along with food contests.

A lot of new food trends are actually born at fairs. there was the infamous fried butter (yes fried butter, frozen butter cubes wrapped up in phyllo dough, then deep fried, served with jam and confectioners sugar) fried Oreos and of course fried bacon. Fairs are also the birthplace of new variations of chili and barbecue. Some new ideas are worth trying. Some fairs ,such as my parish's St.Leo's are known for special dishes. Mine had this wonderful, richly spiced clam chowder that's redolent with time and heavy on the clams. It brings to mind the famed Portuguese cioppino soup. Some fairs have contests. Enjoy slices of blue ribbon pies, cakes, and muffins

Of course there is the traditional fair food. There's nothing like freshly spun cotton candy slightly warm and smelling like hot sugar. My all time fave is the candy apple. There' something fun about crunching into that rich red patina and finding a tart apple underneath. Then there are the ethnic fairs. I love these as well , especially the Southern Italian ones. This where I get the slabs of torrone and dried salted chickpeas along with Italian ice and whatever pastries(such as zeppoli) are offered.

This is the season for fairs. Take advantage of the ones in your area and enjoy the food and the atmosphere.They're a great weekend treat!!!!