Tags: vegetarian travel, healthy eating on the road, state fairs
By Jenna Blumenfeld of Ovenzest.blogspot.com
As vegetarians, we are usually very mindful about what we eat. Yes, we stay away from meat, but often we choose healthier food options over the fast and fried chow. But as some state fairs across the United States are taking place  over the next several weeks, a craving for greasy and gooey food has struck. Fairs are notorious for over-the-top delicacies like hand-held turkey legs and meats on sticks. But as the Paula Deen culture of fried-everything becomes ever popular, even vegetarians seek the ultimate decadence when fair-going.
The most innovative item at The Big E, short for the Eastern States Exposition in Massachusetts, is the fried jellybean. Sue Lavoie, vice president of The Big E explains in an interview with The Courant Newspaper out of Hartford, CT,“They are a clump of dough with a jellybean inside that is then deep fried. That makes the jellybean melt. It's brushed with some powdered sugar and looks a little like a doughnut hole when it is done. When we taste-tested them, we liked the grape jellybeans the best.” Vegetarians can also expect to find deep fried Oreos, massive cream puffs, fried butter and fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at the fair runs through early October.
The State Fair of Texas, which is running October 17th, encourages creative additions to their fair eats by holding a contest. This year, Fried Beer won Most Creative: a pretzel pocket is filled with beer and then deep-fried to a golden brown. When you bite into it the beer spurts out, serving as a warm dipping sauce. But beware vegetarian youngsters; this alcohol-laden treat is for the 21 and over crowd only!
At the State Fair of Louisiana, sticks act as prime utensils for common fair food. Visitors can be sure to find vegetarian staples such as pizza, cookie dough, candied apples and fried cheesecake, all speared for ease of eating without the need for cumbersome forks and knives. And if the need for a non-stick item strikes, try the fried apple pies at Barb & Jack’s Cook Shack for a healthy serving of fruit. You have some time to plan your trip because this fair runs from October 21 to November 7.
And so I wish the best of luck to all vegetarians on their culinary fair adventures. May they find their fair indulgences with ease, and may their pockets be heavy with the sweet sound of antacid Tums for their hurting stomachs on the ride home.
Photo credit: Expedition News
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