These days, every state fair features fried food that absolutely boggles the mind. Still... when I want to find the TRUE innovators of deep frying, I look to Texas.

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The State Fair of Texas has announced the finalists for its annual Big Tex Choice Awards... which are given to the best tasting and most creative new foods from the fair each year. This year, all eight finalists are deep fried. Here they are...

Deep fried S'mores Pop Tart. A S'mores Pop Tart covered in batter and fried.

Deep fried frozen margarita. Funnel cake batter is mixed with a margarita, then deep fried and covered with a lemon/lime mixture. Served in a salt-rimmed glass.

Fried club salad. A 12-inch spinach wrap with ham, chicken, lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, cheddar and bacon inside is deep fried. Then it's topped with fried sourdough croutons on a stick and served with dressing.

Fried beer. A beer-filled pretzel pouch is deep fried.

Fried chocolate. A white chocolate candy bar and cherry are stuffed in a brownie, dipped in chocolate cake batter and deep fried.

Texas fried caviar. It's not real caviar. Black-eyed peas are deep fried and laced with special spices.

Texas fried Frito pie. Chili and cheddar are encased in a giant corn chip. Then it's battered and fried.

Fried lemonade. A pastry is made with Country Time lemonade, then fried.

The winners of the award will be announced Labor Day weekend.

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