Top 10 Best Foods at the Minnesota State Fair

The Minnesota State Fair is almost here. "The Great Minnesota Get-Together" opens August 27 and ends Labor Day, September 7. While I love strolling through the livestock barns, riding the rides on the Mighty Midway, and catching a Grandstand act or two, the thing that I anticipate the most about the Minnesota State Fair is the food.

Here are my top 10 favorite foods at the Minnesota State Fair:

Fresh French Fries

Hot, salty, and fresh-cut, these fries haunt my dreams all year long. I usually make a bee-line for this French fry temple on the corner of Underwood and Dan Patch and grab a lawn spot for my reunion with the crispy little spuds. Sure, I could be reasonable and get the small carton, or I could get the outrageous, bathtub-sized bucket. Hmmm. That's a toughie.

Pronto Pups

Pronto Pup stands are everywhere at the Minnesota State Fair. To the layperson, they look like an average, ho-hum corn dog. To the avid fairgoer, they far surpass their distant cousins of the frozen food aisle. Perhaps it's their crispy, deep-brown crust, or the warm, doughy batter beneath. Maybe it's just nostalgia. One thing is certain: you can't avoid the Pronto Pup, so just give in. Ahh, sweet surrender.

Cheese Curds

What is a cheese curd, you ask? Besides extremely delicious, cheese curds are basically bits of baby cheese before they are pressed into blocks and aged. At the Minnesota State Fair, these tasty little morsels are dunked in beer batter and-you guessed it-deep fried. I do not feel any further explanation is needed.

Naked Pickle on a Stick

I used to hate pickles. I have no idea why. Now, this mutant cuke is one of my favorites, winning points for being one of the few low-calorie, non-fried offerings at the fair.

Pork Chop on a Stick

If you build it, they will come. This is consistently one of the most popular Minnesota State Fair foods each year. Lauded for their juiciness and impeccable seasoning, these portable pork chops satisfy.

Tom Thumb Miniature Donuts

I always salivate as I watch these blobs of sweet dough float down a lazy river of hot grease until they emerge an enticing golden brown. An avalanche of cinnamon and sugar is their crowning glory before they are bagged and handed to enthralled onlookers like me.

Sweet Martha's Cookie Jar

Caveat: the line at Sweet Martha's is always long. Mighty Midway ride long. Consolation: the wait is so worth it. Odds are you'll be so mesmerized by the Sweet Martha's bakers behind the window, and so elated when you receive your gallon bucket of warm chocolate chip cookies that you won't even notice. I suggest making Sweet Martha's one of your last stops at the fair. Buy two buckets: one for the ride home, and one to freeze. The cookies thaw remarkably well in the microwave, so you'll be able to have that Minnesota State Fair flavor at your fingertips all year long.

Deep Fried Oreos

While I agree that the humble Oreo can stand on its own merit, a little embellishment can be a good thing. At the Minnesota State Fair, Oreos are "embellished" with batter, dipped in the deep fryer, and dusted with powdered sugar. Thanks be to the fair for this value-added service.

1919 Root Beer

The August Schell Brewing Company of New Ulm, Minn. brews 1919 Root Beer, which can only be found in kegs; no cans or bottles of the stuff exist. Aficionados love the rich, well-rounded flavor of this traditional root beer. Do not exit the fairgrounds without hitting up the folks at 1919 for a traditional root beer float.

All the Milk You Can Drink For $1

The concept is basic: For $1, you can have as much white or chocolate milk as you want. I could take or leave the regular stuff, but unlimited chocolate milk? This is a childhood fantasy made manifest, thanks to the stand's host organization: the Midwest Dairy Association of Minnesota.

For more information about the Minnesota State Fair, visit http://www.mnstatefair.org/