In 2011, CNN's Brendan Polmer ate his way through the Minnesota State Fair and lived to tell the tale of fried cheese curds, fried pie, fried onions (topped with cheese) and so much more.
The deep-fried belly of the fair food beast —
In 2011, CNN's Brendan Polmer ate his way through the Minnesota State Fair and lived to tell the tale of fried cheese curds, fried pie, fried onions (topped with cheese) and so much more.
Brendan Polmer/CNN
The fair grounds were in full bloom with flowering fried onions covered in cheese sauce and ketchup.
The deep-fried belly of the fair food beast —
The fair grounds were in full bloom with flowering fried onions covered in cheese sauce and ketchup.
Brendan Polmer/CNN
Just as the sign says, the State Fair's version of apple pie involved "100% deep fried goodness."
The deep-fried belly of the fair food beast —
Just as the sign says, the State Fair's version of apple pie involved "100% deep fried goodness."
Brendan Polmer/CNN
For another State Fair delicacy, fresh and 'squeaky' cheese curds took a dip into the deep fryer.
The deep-fried belly of the fair food beast —
For another State Fair delicacy, fresh and 'squeaky' cheese curds took a dip into the deep fryer.
Brendan Polmer/CNN
Fried green tomatoes and corn fritters were served hot and fresh with a scoop of honey butter.
The deep-fried belly of the fair food beast —
Fried green tomatoes and corn fritters were served hot and fresh with a scoop of honey butter.
Brendan Polmer/CNN
"Hotdish" is a Midwestern delight, usually served in casserole form, that involves ground meat, some type of vegetable and starch all mixed together with cream of mushroom soup. In this version, it was all mushed together on a stick, deep-fried and served with a cream of mushroom dipping sauce on the side.
The deep-fried belly of the fair food beast —
"Hotdish" is a Midwestern delight, usually served in casserole form, that involves ground meat, some type of vegetable and starch all mixed together with cream of mushroom soup. In this version, it was all mushed together on a stick, deep-fried and served with a cream of mushroom dipping sauce on the side.
Brendan Polmer/CNN
The greenest sign at the fair was a beacon for fried pickle -- or frickle -- enthusiasts everywhere.
The deep-fried belly of the fair food beast —
The greenest sign at the fair was a beacon for fried pickle -- or frickle -- enthusiasts everywhere.
Brendan Polmer/CNN
It's deep fried, it's a banana split and it's on a stick. What more do you need to know?
The deep-fried belly of the fair food beast —
It's deep fried, it's a banana split and it's on a stick. What more do you need to know?
Brendan Polmer/CNN
Traditional fair fare such as cotton candy and popcorn is on the menu as well.
The deep-fried belly of the fair food beast —
Traditional fair fare such as cotton candy and popcorn is on the menu as well.
Brendan Polmer/CNN
French fries seem almost tame in these batter-coated, cheese-soaked surroundings.
The deep-fried belly of the fair food beast —
French fries seem almost tame in these batter-coated, cheese-soaked surroundings.
Brendan Polmer/CNN
Whether you opt for the classics or take a ride on the deep fried side, a day at the Minnesota State Fair will always stick with you.
The deep-fried belly of the fair food beast —
Whether you opt for the classics or take a ride on the deep fried side, a day at the Minnesota State Fair will always stick with you.
Brendan Polmer/CNN