Our family's memories from the County Fair usually revolve around food. Once we step foot within those gates, we head straight to our favorite fair food, and that favorite food is corn dogs. There's nothing better in our book!
Even though we have tried to recreate those fair food memories by buying pre-packaged corn dogs, it's never quite the same. I don't know if it's the aromas or the taste, but regardless, the corn dogs you can get in the freezer section of the grocery store just don't offer the same appeal. That is how we came to develop our own version of deep fried corn dogs made right in our kitchen.
Are corn dogs nutritionally balanced? Some might argue that eating a corn dog is really ingesting useless calories and fat. However, when you make corn dogs at home you can control the ingredients, making this treat something you can make more nutritious, and delicious.
First of all there's the hot dog itself. Many years ago there was really only one or two hot dog brands to choose from, and they both had basically identical ingredients. Now when you walk up to the meat counter, you'll see a full array of hot dogs to choose from that can boggle the mind. If you don't eat beef or pork, there's turkey or chicken. There are even vegetarian style hot dogs. You can even get hot dogs stuffed with cheese or made with beer. The choices are endless so choose the hot dog that best suits your tastes and dietary preferences. A hot dog can actually be nutritious nowadays!
When it comes to the coating, this is where you can make some flavor changes, as well as healthier choices. You can choose whole wheat flour instead of white flour. You can cut back on the salt or use only the egg whites for the coating. Some pre-packaged corn dogs have added sugar, so that's certainly something you can eliminate. Add a few herbs and seasonings for a whole new flavor and added color.
You also get to choose the oil you use when you make your own corn dogs at home. When you are at the fair, you don't get to choose what oil they use or how long they've been using it. The oil you use should have what's called high "smoke points", in other words, it should be tolerant of high temperatures. Normally, you'll want a clean, clear refined oil such as refined sunflower or safflower oil. Many people also use peanut oil or corn oil. Be sure to read the label to check if it will work for high temperatures.
Be sure to get your oil up to the temperature recommended by your deep fryer. If you are using a heavy skillet to fry your corn dogs, be sure to use a proper thermometer and check that the oil gets up to about 375 degrees before beginning. Fry only a couple corn dogs at a time. Don't crowd your deep fryer or skillet or the oil will cool down too much and the corn dogs will be left to soak in the oil and you'll end up with soggy corn dogs. Drain your corn dogs well using absorbent paper or clean flour cloth towels that have been spread on a rack so air circulates underneath. Cool, and you'll be ready to dig in!
The State and County Fairs are long gone, but the delicious memories still linger. Treat your family to a re-creation of those flavors with yummy corn dogs made right in your kitchen. What a fun way to bring the taste of summer home!
Even though we have tried to recreate those fair food memories by buying pre-packaged corn dogs, it's never quite the same. I don't know if it's the aromas or the taste, but regardless, the corn dogs you can get in the freezer section of the grocery store just don't offer the same appeal. That is how we came to develop our own version of deep fried corn dogs made right in our kitchen.
Are corn dogs nutritionally balanced? Some might argue that eating a corn dog is really ingesting useless calories and fat. However, when you make corn dogs at home you can control the ingredients, making this treat something you can make more nutritious, and delicious.
First of all there's the hot dog itself. Many years ago there was really only one or two hot dog brands to choose from, and they both had basically identical ingredients. Now when you walk up to the meat counter, you'll see a full array of hot dogs to choose from that can boggle the mind. If you don't eat beef or pork, there's turkey or chicken. There are even vegetarian style hot dogs. You can even get hot dogs stuffed with cheese or made with beer. The choices are endless so choose the hot dog that best suits your tastes and dietary preferences. A hot dog can actually be nutritious nowadays!
When it comes to the coating, this is where you can make some flavor changes, as well as healthier choices. You can choose whole wheat flour instead of white flour. You can cut back on the salt or use only the egg whites for the coating. Some pre-packaged corn dogs have added sugar, so that's certainly something you can eliminate. Add a few herbs and seasonings for a whole new flavor and added color.
You also get to choose the oil you use when you make your own corn dogs at home. When you are at the fair, you don't get to choose what oil they use or how long they've been using it. The oil you use should have what's called high "smoke points", in other words, it should be tolerant of high temperatures. Normally, you'll want a clean, clear refined oil such as refined sunflower or safflower oil. Many people also use peanut oil or corn oil. Be sure to read the label to check if it will work for high temperatures.
Be sure to get your oil up to the temperature recommended by your deep fryer. If you are using a heavy skillet to fry your corn dogs, be sure to use a proper thermometer and check that the oil gets up to about 375 degrees before beginning. Fry only a couple corn dogs at a time. Don't crowd your deep fryer or skillet or the oil will cool down too much and the corn dogs will be left to soak in the oil and you'll end up with soggy corn dogs. Drain your corn dogs well using absorbent paper or clean flour cloth towels that have been spread on a rack so air circulates underneath. Cool, and you'll be ready to dig in!
The State and County Fairs are long gone, but the delicious memories still linger. Treat your family to a re-creation of those flavors with yummy corn dogs made right in your kitchen. What a fun way to bring the taste of summer home!
About the Author:
Once you start making corn dogs at home you'll never buy the prepackaged variety again. Check out even more popular fun foods you can make for kids of all ages right in your own kitchen.
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