grace grits and gardening

ramblings from an arkansas farm girl

Big Tex-Mex?

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Last year during the State Fair of Texas, Big Tex met his fiery demise. This year, just in time for opening day, our iconic symbol is back sporting a 70-gallon hat, Lucchese boots and a fire-retardant outfit.
Yes, in less than one year, Big Tex has returned to greet enthusiastic fair-goers. Yet people are so critical.
Not since the city suggested renaming Ross Avenue to Cesar Chavez has there been such an uproar among Dallasites.
After yesterday’s unveiling, a Twitter war ensued with hashtags flying…

The Dallas Observer’s question of the day—Is Big Tex a Mexican? 
Big Tex Mexican
Hola Folks…?

Some think not only is his skin too dark, but he’s gained weight since last year.

Haven’t we all?

I always thought Big Tex looked a bit maniacal, and this year’s no exception. I say, welcome back!

Of course, if someone changed anything about the corn dog, I’d be muy loco…

talya

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

State Fair of Texas!

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Texas Star

Our state fair is a great state fair, don’t miss it, don’t even be late. – Rodgers and Hammerstein

talya

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food, Garden. Life

Musical Pairing:

State Fair – 1962 – Dallas Skyline

State Fair of Texas – New Fried Foods

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Only ten days until the beginning of the State Fair of Texas!

Only ten days and we can begin grazing through the 2013 lineup of new fried foods.

grace grits and gardening State Fair food
fried cinnamon roll with bacon (2012)

Here we go—a few of the newest, deepest fried concoctions…

1. Deep Fried Cuban Roll—involves slow-cooked pork roast, chopped ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and secret sauce rolled into pastry dough and fried like an eggroll. This one sounds edible and won “best taste” in the 2013 Big Tex Awards. 
2. Deed Fried King Ranch Casserole—Texas-shaped cheese dipped in southwestern egg wash and coated in bread crumbs. This fried cheese sounds yummy, but I thought King Ranch Casserole included chicken?  
3. Fried Thanksgiving Dinner—Really? Yes, really. Turkey and dressing dipped in creamed corn, rolled in meal and deep fried like a hush puppy. Served with cranberry sauce and giblet gravy. This one won “most creative” in the fair food contest. Creative, maybe. I say the only giblets at the fair should be in the livestock buildings.
4. Chicken-Fried Meatloaf—Just like it sounds. A slice of meatloaf fried up like chicken fried steak. Served with garlic mashed potatoes and cream gravy. Save it for Sunday lunch.
5. Spinach Dip Bites—Spinach Artichoke dip bites coated in tortilla chips and fried. I suppose this counts as a veggie serving?
6. Texas Fried Fireball—Pimento cheese, pickles, cayenne and bacon rolled into a ball, dipped in buttermilk and jalapeño-infused batter then deep-fried. I’ll be trying this one. I love pimento cheese…
Is it any wonder Big-Tex went up in flames last year? 
State Fair of Texas
If you fry it, we will come.

a State Fair regular…
talya

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

P.S. Only ten days and the new and improved Big Tex will return, bigger and Texier than ever.

Food. Farm. Garden. Life.

THANKS FOR READING!