I can’t believe that it is mid-July! Where has the summer gone? Before you know it, it will be time for back to school sales and the Little League World Series.

This is actually one of my favorite times of year. There is something about the long nights and hot days that makes me happy. This is the perfect time of year to sit on the porch and read while watching the lightning bugs dance around.

There is a lot going on in the area this time of year, no the least of which is the Lycoming County Fair. Lou has all the details for you on page 6, but this is always a great event to attend every year. Some people knit and some collect stamps, but I stand by that eating ‘carnival’ food is one of my favorite hobbies. From funnel cake and cotton candy, to French fries with vinegar and hot sausage, I can gorge myself pretty well at fairs and carnivals. I’m telling you, food just tastes better at the fair.

While I think that food tastes better at the fair, what if you can’t get out this year? Have no fear, I’ve got your back! I’ve got recipes for two of my fair-favorites just in case you don’t make it to a fair or carnival this summer!

Corn Dogs:
Ingredients:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Dash pepper
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• Oil for deep-fat frying
• 12 to 16 wooden skewers
• 12 to 16 hot dogs

Directions

In a bowl, whisk the first eight ingredients. Whisk in egg and milk just until blended. Transfer batter to a tall drinking glass.

In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Insert skewers into hot dogs. Dip hot dogs into batter; allow excess batter to drip off. Fry corn dogs, a few at a time, 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately.

In my world, it’s not a fair without funnel cake. So here’s a recipe for that too!
Funnel Cake:

Ingredients:
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Oil for deep-fat frying
• Confectioners’ sugar

Directions:

In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add milk, water and vanilla until well blended. In another bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; beat into egg mixture until smooth. In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°.

Cover the bottom of a funnel spout with your finger; ladle 1/2 cup batter into the funnel. Holding the funnel several inches above the oil, release your finger and move the funnel in a spiral motion until all the batter is released, scraping with a rubber spatula if needed.

Fry 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Dust with confectioners’ sugar; serve warm. Note: The batter can be poured from a liquid measuring cup instead of a funnel.

I hope you all are enjoying your summer! Get out and have some fun. Fall will be here before we know it, so don’t waste time! Go find something to do with friends and family!