Nathan Hutsenpiller is a writer and photographer residing in Queens, NY who has a keen interest in skateboarding, photography, and cooking. Nathan’s work focuses on authenticity, research, and providing a unique point of view that readers can enjoy.
Published July 01, 2024All my life I have adored the state fair. I love everything about the atmosphere, from the food, shows, and rides, to the unique crowds of people and all of the fun prizes up for grabs. No matter how old I get, a quick trip to the state fair instantly transports me back to my childhood self and I’m here for every second of it.
Upon arrival at any state fair, I usually take a lap to get a good lay of the land. I scout out foods that I want to try, as well as rides and games that I’d like to experience. The one thing I cannot leave any fair without sampling, however, is funnel cake. While my funnel cake exploits are generally limited to visits to the fair, a recent trip to ALDI changed that reality for me entirely.
Located in last week's list of ALDI finds, the Baker’s Corner Funnel Cake Kit is the no-fuss solution to making the state fair classic at home. This all-in-one mix simply requires water to create a perfect funnel cake batter that can be poured right out of the container it comes in. The funnel-shaped nozzle on the container allows you to pour thin strands of batter into the hot oil, making it as easy as possible to make your own funnel cake creations.
What I love most about this product besides its $3.49 price tag is the ease of use. The dry ingredients are bagged separately and can be poured into a mixing bowl along with one and one-third cups of water. Use a whisk to combine the wet and dry ingredients until no clumps or dry spots remain. Once the batter is smooth, simply transfer it back into the container and prepare the oil for frying.
A tall pan, skillet, or Dutch oven can be used for the frying process, with about one to three inches of oil heated inside to 350°F. When my oil was ready, I poured the batter into a 6-inch diameter circle, making a lattice pattern to ensure the strands of batter held together. I let the funnel cake cook for a few minutes on each side until it was a beautiful golden brown. Finally, I transferred the cake to a wire rack to cool, then dusted it with powdered sugar.
Nothing screams state fair quite as much as fried desserts, and funnel cake always delivers. To channel those state fair vibes even more, you can add tasty toppings like sliced strawberries, whipped cream, or warmed-up Nutella. Cherries or berries are incredible during the summer, while sautéed apples are perfect for fall.