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From the first time I sank my teeth into that crisp light confection, powdered sugar dissolving on my tongue with a burst of sweetness, I knew this was my new favorite treat. I taught myself how to make funnel cakes, first mixing the ingredients, carefully heating the oil to the perfect temperature, so that I could enjoy them year round. The crackle as the liquid batter rapidly cooks in the pan dies down until it is time to flip the cake, starting the sound again. Mere moments later it is time to remove it, patting the golden cake dry of oil with a clean paper towel as it cools, then sprinkling it with a coating of confectioner's sugar, kept in the pantry for just this purpose.

Dusted with a layer of light powdered sugar over a perfectly fried golden batter, is it any wonder that funnel cake tops my list of favorite American food? Funnel cakes are a traditional fair favorite across the country, appearing at carnivals, state fairs, and even along the beach at some summertime destinations. As a youth they became the pinnacle of my year, that one time treat I anticipated for the entire wait. I grew up attending the state fair each year with family and friends and always had a funnel cake, without fail.
The cakes originate from the Pennsylvania Dutch area of the United States. They are a traditional dessert served in some Amish households. Several other countries have their own versions and takes on the funnel cake, including Australia and Finland. Funnel cakes are made by pouring batter through a funnel into hot oil. Though similar to fried dough, funnel cakes are made with unleavened flour, which contains no yeast.
Often funnel cakes are topped with powdered sugar, jam or other toppings. My personal favorite is powdered sugar, though International House of Pancakes seasonally has been known to offer funnel cakes, serving them with fruit toppings, powdered sugar or whipped cream. For the more adventurous you can find recipes for made from scratch funnel cakes, or boxed mixed of batter from the grocery store, so that you do not find yourself waiting another year for the fair to come to town.

References:
http://en.wiki pedia.org/wiki/Funnel_cake

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