THE BIG E FAIR: BIG E CREAM PUFF (01 of07)
Open Image ModalWest Springfield, MassachusettsDolloped between two pastry shells, the cream in these puffs is just a few minutes of whipping shy of becoming butter—we won't count those extra calories if you don't.Photo: Courtesy Big E Fair
KENTUCKY STATE FAIR: FRIED DERBY PIE (02 of07)
Open Image ModalLouisville, KentuckyLast year's introduction of the Fried Derby Pie captures all the goodness of Kentucky's famed dessert in a sugary, crispy shell. The original—made with chocolate, walnuts, and bourbon—had been a staple for years. It took someone with real genius to pop that in the deep fryer.Photo: Courtesy Kentucky State Fair
THE PUYALLUP FAIR: FISHER FAIR SCONE & RASPBERRY JAM (03 of07)
Open Image ModalLouisville, KentuckyLast year, the Puyallup Fair served its 100 millionth fair scone since its creation in 1914. Guess it's safe to say that honey butter and raspberry jam are a crowd-pleaser when sandwiched between these fluffy, warmed scones.Photo: Courtesy Puyallup Fair
MINNESOTA STATE FAIR: FRIED COOKIE DOUGH(04 of07)
Open Image ModalSt. Paul, MinnesotaAt the Minnesota State Fair, the scent of freshly baked cookies is not what it seems. These chocolate chip treats skip the oven—instead, they're coated with a sweet batter, deep-fried, and sprinkled with powdered sugar.Photo: Courtesy Minnesota State Fair
KENTUCKY STATE FAIR: GRATER TATER (05 of07)
Open Image ModalLouisville, KentuckyThis state fair staple begins as one whole potato, but its transformation into the Grater Trater looks much tastier—the potato is thinly sliced into a continuous ribbon, then fried to create a spiral of crispy chips. Lays don't stand a chance.Photo: Courtesy Kentucky State Fair
THE BIG E FAIR: FRIED SHEPHERD'S PIE(06 of07)
Open Image ModalWest Springfield, MassachusettsThe Country Fried Shepherd's Pie balls a blend of meats, mashed potatoes, and creamed corn together; the combo is breaded, fried, and drizzled with gravy.Photo: Courtesy Big E Fair
STATE FAIR OF TEXAS: CHICKEN-FRIED BACON (07 of07)
Open Image ModalDallas, TexasAt the Big Tex Choice Awards each year, only the most inventive concotions beat out the competition. Case in point: This chicken fried bacon was the "Best Taste" winner in 2008—but don't worry, you can still buy it at this year's festival.Photo: Courtesy Texas State Fair