Ruth Hauntz and her business partners, Brent and Juan Reaves, joined NBC 5 Today to talk about the inspirations behind Fried Jell-O, which won “Best Taste” at this year’s Big Tex Choice Awards.
The State Fair of Texas has named the winners of the 12th annual Big Tex Choice Awards.
Fried Jell-O, cherry-flavored Jell-O dusted in panko crust and flash fried, won the title for best taste. Eight finalists that included pineapple a Pineapple Korn-a-Copia, Deep Fried Bacon Burger Dog Slider, and Injectable Great Balls of BBQ.
A finalist in the Big Tex Choice Awards for the past seven years, Isaac Rousso earned his second "Most Creative" title with his State Fair Cookie Fries, which are classic cookie flavors crinkle-cut and paired with strawberry or milk chocolate sauce.
Isaac Russo joins NBC 5 live in studio to talk about his State Fair Cookie Fries, which won the 2016 Big Tex Choice Award for “Most Creative.”
Proceeds from the awards ceremony were donated to the State Fair of Texas Youth Scholarship Program, which has awarded more than $8.7 million in scholarships to more than 1,800 students in its 24-year history.
The fair runs Sept. 30 through Oct. 23.
State Fair of Texas
Marinated grilled chicken and shrimp are served over a bed of yellow Caribbean fried rice and topped with a tropical salsa and pineapple rum glaze. Served in a pineapple half shell.
State Fair of Texas
A miniature, handmade seasoned ground beef patty is stuffed with shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, and an all-beef hot dog on a Hawaiian roll. It is then placed on a skewer topped with a pickle, dipped in a tempura batter and deep fried to perfection. Every Bacon Burger Dog is served on a bed of shoe string fries with ranch dipping sauce.
State Fair of Texas
A "FUNYUN," the traditional crunchy snack, is stuffed with pulled pork, pepper jack cheese, pineapple slices and bacon. It is then dipped in a flavorful batter and deep fried. Each order is served with a multilayered sweet BBQ sauce.
State Fair of Texas
A savory cream sauce chock-full of shredded roasted chicken breast, tender diced white potatoes, sweet carrots, peas, corn and a special blend of herbs and spices. This hearty filling is ladled into fresh, flaky pastry dough and then gently folded "hot pocket" style. Each bite of the deep fried, golden brown, buttery crust is bursting with a savory sauce of chicken and veggies. Served with a side of mac ‘n cheese-inspired dip, this unique sharp cheddar sauce creates a tantalizing flavor combination.
State Fair of Texas
A classic cherry-flavored Jell-O in a panko-crusted breading, flash-fried to perfection, and then dusted with powdered sugar. Prepared with a tasty topping of whipped cream and a cherry garnish, this dish has the perfect amount of crunch to compliment the jiggle.
State Fair of Texas
Smoke-crusted BBQ beef brisket is hand shredded with bock BBQ sauce and molded to form balls. The ball of beef is then breaded with seasoned bread crumbs and deep fried to a crispy perfection. Served on top of a bed of coleslaw, each order comes with its own pipette of bock BBQ sauce to be injected into the brisket balls.
State Fair of Texas
Shredded chicken is mixed with bits of signature seasonings, dough and a touch of gravy. This decadent mixture is then rolled into balls, coated with bread crumbs and deep fried golden brown. Served with fried “biscuit bites” and a side of gravy.
State Fair of Texas
Offered in traditional cookie flavors like chocolate chip or sprinkles, these sweet treats are served with your choice of the accompanying strawberry or milk chocolate sauce.
