Food Festival Fete

by Jane Adams

Summer’s officially here and Fourth of July is just around the corner. With outdoor craft and food festivals in full swing, I thought it would be fun to attend Jubilee Day yesterday and observe some of this year’s food trends and give out my own informal “awards” to this year’s stand-outs.

MOST INTRIGUING:
"Liquid Volcanoes"

I first spotted this novelty last fall and I must say, the visual effect is impressive to say the least. And it looks like this new creation is here to stay. 

Upon preparation of the drink, a dry ice plume of white magician smoke emerges from the colorful syrup. Evidently this effect is induced by perfectly safe CO2 nuggets, which also cools the drink to a desired temp. It is definitely an exciting change-up from the traditional smoothie.

For more information, please visit: http://www.festivals-and-shows.com/dellinger-concessions-volcano-drink-harrisburg-pennsylvania.html

MOST NOTABLE FRIED FOOD TRENDS:
Fried Oreo's and Deep Fried Cheese-On-a-Stick

There were several notable fried food trends I spotted this year. Gone for now are the pumpkin funnel cakes, replaced with sauce topped versions such as Caramel or “Apples and Spice.” While these versions look appealing, I am still a fan of the plain confectioner’s sugar topped version.

I also spied Funnel Cake Sticks, Churro’s, and Funnel Cake Fries(?)!! The last one sounded intriguing, but just too horrifyingly fattening to try so I will save that for next time. 

Deep-fried Oreos and Deep Fried Cheese-on-a-stick were also interesting options to the regular fare. For traditional fries, Bricker’s Famous French Fries are still my favorite. I enjoy the lightly fried texture and apple cider vinegar they provide at the condiment table.

HEALTHY FAVORITE:
Fresh Cut Fruit Cups

Sometimes food fair fruit cocktails are unappetizing and drab. 
But encouragingly enough we spotted vibrant chunky freshly cut fruit cups for only $4 each. I would have eaten one of these healthy treats to offset the damage from the junk food we had if we hadn’t already slurped down a strawberry smoothie. 

BEST ETHNIC FOOD:
Samosas and Pakoras

In addition to the regular old kebobs and Chinese food, I also found several excellent Indian style food stands this year.

One without a particular name was full of a full family of members and was serving Samosas and Pakoras.

Samosas and Parkoras are fried vegetable fritters which usually contain a mixture of chopped eggplant, spinach and other vegetables which are combined with interesting semi-hot spices.  

After trying a sample, I ordered a serving and it was served with yogurt and mint sauce. 

It was quite an interesting change up to the traditional bland fried vegetables.

BEST SAUCE:
Tikka Summer Sauce

After munching on the samosas, I stopped by the Beyond the Spice Stand and had a few samples and picked up a jar of Tikka Summer Sauce for $8. 

Flavored with tomatoes, onions, cashew, garlic and ginger, it packs a tasty medium heat and will make an easy summer supper added to chicken or fish. 

They also offered a coconut sauce. 

The sauce is from a Pennsylvania company located in Montgomeryville. 

For more information, please visit:
http://www.beyondthespice.com/products.html

BEST HOT FOOD STAND:
Miller's Mustard

On the way towards the car, I could not resist stopping at Miller’s Mustard. 

The stand had a generous supply of tortilla chips and samples and allowed multiple shameless tastings of the large selection of hot sauces. 

I tried chipotle hummus, white garlic barbeque sauce and hot cherry jelly. 

After sampling each, I finally settled on Pepperelly Super Sassy Glaze to serve on top of cream cheese and crackers (I also spread on bland brown bag sandwiches too for a little bit of kick) and I picked up Apocalypse Sweet Habanero Hellfire Sauce for my husband who loves to burn his taste-buds to the limit.

For more information, please visit: http://www.millersmustard.com/

BEST SMOOTHIE:
Frozen Lemonade Smoothie

After all this hot food, I needed hydration. I ordered what I thought was a homemade shaken lemonade, but which actually turned out to be a frozen lemonade smoothie. 

It was tangy and sweet and unbelievably refreshing. Little pieces of ground up lemon peel were sprinkled in the mix giving a little extra flavor and it was served with a mini umbrella.  Other than a few tinges of brain freeze, it gave me the energy I need to walk back to the car after our fun day out.