"Why is it that food always tastes better when it's on a stick?" DearSugar mused the other day. I must say I concur. There's a playful element to eating kebabs; they're interactive and low-maintenance at the same time. Or maybe it always tastes better because I associate food on a stick with socializing over passed hors d'oeuvres. Regardless of what the reason is, I thought I'd share seven skewer combos that'll stick with you.
Bring the flavor of the Summer-fair season into your kitchen with this fun recipe. The pork chops are quickly marinated in a store-bought salad dressing before being shallow fried.
The final result is crispy, slightly sweet, and scrumptious. Serving the pork on a stick makes for a delicious presentation that both kids and adults will enjoy.
To check out the recipe, read more
When I'm in the mood for a light meal, I look for flavorful vegetarian options. These grilled tofu sticks — a play on the traditional corn dog — are the perfect alternative.
To give them a spicy kick, the tofu sticks are marinated overnight in a sweet-hot mustard. They're grilled, rather than deep-fried, like most corn dogs, so they're actually good for you.
If you are not a fan of tofu, you could substitute something else. Try marinating tempeh or portobello mushrooms. To get the recipe, read more
When I think of food on a stick, I think of state fairs, corn dogs and Summer. That's why I'm a bit confused on how an early day in Spring became Something-on-a-Stick Day. But hey, I like food-on-a-stick, so I'll play along.
To celebrate, I found this fantastic video from the 2006 Minnesota State Fair. From salmon steaks to key lime pie, the video features 59 different things-on-a-stick. It's really quite unbelievable and there's actually something for everyone. It doesn't take long to walk through them all, so watch the video now, just read more
I recently went to China, and while in Beijing I stopped at the infamous street food market. I wasn't sure what to snack on, but since I'll try anything once, and had a slight obsession with Survivorman, I eventually settled for a deep fried scorpion. It was warm and crunchy, with a little tender meaty morsel in the center. And, most surprisingly, it wasn't that bad. In fact, I'd eat it again. How about you, would you ever eat a scorpion?
I find it more than a bit ironic that the foods most of us associate with going to the State Fair are fried, processed and just plain bad for you. The fair is supposed to be a celebration of farming and farm life (I love visiting all the animals from 4H competitions). 
I would think the food at fairs would feature fresh produce rather than deep fried food served on sticks. Last year, the Minnesota State Fair featured 54 different food items conveniently served on sticks, and it seems our desire for deep fried food runs deep as soon as our feet hit the fairground.
Here is a list of fare to avoid when you go to the fair. Keeping these items out of your belly might just keep you from belly aching after riding the Tilt-a-Whirl or the Zipper.
Let me just remind you that deep fried Twinkies are as bad for you as they sound.
Tell me, what is the most outrageous food you have eaten at a fair? I am curious so let me know in the comments section below.
