Colours, fun and lots of happiness – the very mention of the word ‘fair’ brings so many wonderful memories to the mind! he weather’s getting cooler the kids are back in school and carnivals and state fairs have been in full swing where crazy food is the main attraction. Where else can one make a meal of those giant medieval turkey legs that bring out the caveman in us, a side of deep-fried Oreos, and a caramel apple? We love the fair just for the food—particularly the melt-in-your-mouth, deep-fried doughy goodness kind.
- Deep-Fried Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Ingredients:
- 4 oz butter at room temperature
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup of chocolate chips
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk 1 cup + 2 tbsp
- 2 tsp vegetable oil
- 1-quart oil for frying
- Candy/Deep Fry thermometer
Instructions:
- Combine the butter and both sugars in the bowl of a large stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment
- Beat them together for 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the egg and vanilla extract and beat on low speed until combined
- Stop the mixer, add the flour and salt, and mix again on low speed until most of the flour streaks are gone
- Stop mixing, add the chocolate chips, and stir everything together with a spatula until it’s well-mixed
- Use a 1-inch cookie scoop or a spoon to form the dough into 1-inch balls, and place them on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet
- You should get about 20 cookies from this recipe
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator until the balls are firm, at least 1 hour
- The dough can be made several days in advance and kept, well-wrapped, in the refrigerator until ready to use
BATTER AND FRY:
- To make the batter, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a medium bowl
- Add the milk and 2 tsp of vegetable oil, and whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps
- Pour the frying oil into a medium saucepan so that it’s 2 inches deep
- Insert a candy/deep-fry thermometer and heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 360 F (182 C).
- Once at 360 F, take a chilled ball of cookie dough and dip it in the batter, turning it over with your hands until it’s completely covered
- Let excess batter drip back into the bowl, then gently drop it into the oil
- Repeat with 2-3 more dough balls, so you’re frying 3-4 at a time
- Fry the balls for about 2 minutes per side, flipping as necessary so that they cook evenly.
- Fry the cookie dough balls until they’re puffed and a dark golden brown on all sides
- Remove them from the oil using a frying skimmer or slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain.
- Repeat with the rest of the cookie dough balls and batter
- Watch the temperature of the oil and keep it between 360 F-370 F (182 – 188 C)—remove it from the heat if it gets too hot, or let it warm up in between batches if the temperature drops too much.
- These balls are best served warm, but not hot
- Garnish them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, a side of whipped cream, a sprinkling of powdered sugar, or nothing at all!
2. DIY Mini Caramel Apple
Ahh, fall, ’tis the season for crunchy coloured leaves, chunky knit sweaters, turkey dinners, all things pumpkin and spice and everything nice…. like APPLES!!!
We know you guys have a love affair with all things appley goodness just like we do! From warm Apple Pie Bread to oven-baked Apple Pie Roll-Ups there is just something so comforting about fresh fall apples.
Ingredients:
- 6 large granny smith apples
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- pretzel sticks
- Marzetti Old Fashioned Caramel Dip
Instructions:
- Fill a large bowl with cold water and add lemon juice
- Wash & dry apples. Using a melon baller, scoop round balls of apples and place in the lemon water
- Once all of your apples have been prepared, remove from lemon water and dab dry with a paper towel
- Using a chopstick or other similar object, create a small hole in the top of each apple ball
- Insert a small pretzel stick into each hole
- Serve immediately with Marzetti Old Fashioned Caramel Dip.