State Fair of Texas announces winners of annual Big Tex food competition
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2022 State Fair of Texas
It’s that time of year! Say hello to cooler weather, fried foods and Big Tex. And check our guide for everything to know if you go to the State Fair of Texas at Fair Park in Dallas.
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Your Guide to the 2022 State Fair of Texas: Parking, tickets, fried food, more
State Fair of Texas announces winners of annual Big Tex food competition
State Fair of Texas ends this Sunday. Here’s what you need to know if you go.
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Yabba Dabba NO! Why does this State Fair of Texas shrimp po’boy come with Fruity Pebbles?
The State Fair of Texas is known for many things, but its fried and eccentric food might take the cake.
When the fair kicks off next month in Dallas, hungry patrons can expect several tasty new creations around the fairgrounds, including this year’s winners from the 18th annual “Big Tex Choice Awards.” The State Fair of Texas runs from Sept. 30 to Oct. 23.
The annual awards contest sees concessionaires compete each other in three categories: best taste - savory, best taste - sweet and most creative. In total, 36 semifinalists were announced in July, followed by the 10 finalists a few weeks ago. Now, the three winners have been announced:
Most creative: Cha-Cha Chata
Created by: The Garza Family
Inspired by the cha-cha dance, the “Cha-Cha Chata” is a horchata milkshake poured into a cup rimmed with caramel and cinnamon, topped with a dollop of whipped topping. The milkshake is further dusted with crushed candy, cinnamon galletas de gragega and deep-fried arroz con leche bites. A churro straw is served with the sweet treat as well.
Best taste, savory: Fried Charcuterie Board
Created by: Tami Nevins-Mayes & Josey Mayes
This dish takes mozzarrella, salami and green apples and wraps them in wonton wrapper that is then deep fried to a golden brown crisp. Goat cheese and a drizzle of hot honey are then placed atop to finish the dish.
Best taste, sweet: Peanut Butter Paradise
Created by: Chris Easter & Nicole Sternes
This dessert dish starts with a caramel injected honey bun that is topped with peanut butter and layered with Reese’s Pieces and crushed Butterfinger crumbles. It’s then topped off with peanut butter cups, drizzled caramel and a cloud of powdered sugar.
All three foods will be available at the State Fair of Texas this year along with the other 10 finalists: Chicharron Explosion Nachos by Glen and Sherri Kusak, Deep Fried BLT by Tom Grace, Deep Fried Lasagna Roll by The Parish Family, Holy Biscuit by Isaac Rousso, Deep Fried Rocky Road with Blue Bell Ice Cream by Cody and Lauren Hays, La Bluebonnet by Milton and Gracie Whitley and The Ultimate Brookie Monster by Juan and Brent Reaves.
For more on this year’s state fair, check out our guide here.
This story was originally published August 29, 2022 at 5:41 PM.
