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!
Unfortunately, the County Fair doesn't come around as often as my family's desire for a good corn dog does, and the boxed version you can find in the freezer section of the grocery store just aren't the same. So, naturally, we've decided to start making corn dogs at home.
Even though some folks may scoff at the nutritional value of corn dogs, that's really not the central issue here. We eat plenty of healthy food most days, but every once in a while we all need that special treat. Also, because we're making our corn dogs at home, we can control the ingredients we use.
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.
When you eat a corn dog at the fair, you don't get to choose which oil they use or how many corn dogs were in the batch before yours. When you make them at home, you can make a healthier choice. Just be sure that you choose an oil that is suitable for high temperature cooking. Read the label of the oil before you decide. Many people deep fry using peanut oil, but there are other choices. Look at refined oils like sunflower or safflower, as well as corn oil or canola oil.
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!
Unfortunately, the County Fair doesn't come around as often as my family's desire for a good corn dog does, and the boxed version you can find in the freezer section of the grocery store just aren't the same. So, naturally, we've decided to start making corn dogs at home.
Even though some folks may scoff at the nutritional value of corn dogs, that's really not the central issue here. We eat plenty of healthy food most days, but every once in a while we all need that special treat. Also, because we're making our corn dogs at home, we can control the ingredients we use.
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.
When you eat a corn dog at the fair, you don't get to choose which oil they use or how many corn dogs were in the batch before yours. When you make them at home, you can make a healthier choice. Just be sure that you choose an oil that is suitable for high temperature cooking. Read the label of the oil before you decide. Many people deep fry using peanut oil, but there are other choices. Look at refined oils like sunflower or safflower, as well as corn oil or canola oil.
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:
Fun homemade treats start with making corn dogs just like you get at the Fair. Visit us for even more fun food recipes and create memorable meals for your family tonight!
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