The Last Chance Stampede and Fair is filled with many culinary
delights, but few are able to catch as much interest as the fried
candy bar.
Not all of the attention given to these treats is good, as some
people are slow to embrace the idea of them, but many others are
more than ready to indulge.
Doug James, 67, provides the bars to the public and has been
practicing this art for seven years. James spends most of his time
living in Ennis or at his Florida home, but has found time to share
his deep fried delicacies at the fair for the past two years.
The bars may be one of the tastiest items on the menu, but are
definitely not the most nutritious. Several steps are taken during
the creation process, the first one being to open the candy bar at
one end and shove it onto a wooden stick corndog style. The wrapper
is then taken off and the candy is dipped in the same batter that
is used to make funnel cakes. Dripping and covered in a thick layer
of batter, the bar is deep fried until golden brown and topped of
with a sprinkling of powdered sugar…ready to eat.
James learned the technique from a group of fundraising college
students while he was visiting Spain, and decided to introduce the
delight to the United States. Although loved by all, James says
middle-aged males in particular seem to treat themselves more
frequently than other fair-goers. Snickers and Milky Way are the
top two choices for deep frying.
Slaving over a hot deep fryer at his booth, the Jam ‘n Spud, is
not the only thing James does however. He also offers baked
potatoes, which are the most popular dish available. At three
dollars per bar, James’ tasty treats are definitely a must-try at
the Stampede Food Court.