Here we go!  It's that time of year again when we get to hear about all of the new foods that will be available during the 12 days of the Great Minnesota Get-Together otherwise known as the Minnesota State Fair.

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Every year there are the usual suspects, and then there are some options that are on the side of a little weird.  This year is no different.  There are things that I'm thinking are an absolute "must try" and others that kind of make you cock your head to the side with a "hmmm".  Things that make you go Hmmmmm

One of the new foods that I think are 100% Minnesotan is the deep fried ranch dressing.  Yep, deep fried ranch dressing brings on a "How do you do that" question.

It sounds amazing, actually. It can be found at LuLu's which is at the West End Market.

Minnesota State Fair
Minnesota State Fair
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Ranch dressing filling made with ranch seasoning, buttermilk and cream cheese in a panko shell, deep-fried and dusted with ranch powder. Served with a side of hot honey sauce crafted with Cry Baby Craig's hot sauce. (Vegetarian)

With so many people needing gluten free and/or vegetarian options, there are more and more options for those types of foods.

First up - a version of Fried Cheese.  Not exactly a curd, but kind of, with different cheese.  Located in the Holy Land deli.

Halloumi cheese, crafted from a blend of sheep and goat milk, wrapped in pastry dough and deep-fried. Served with a side of sweet chili sauce. (Vegetarian)

Minnesota State Fair
Minnesota State Fair
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Here we have the Blazin' Greek Bites. Located at Dino's Gyros.

Deep-fried bites made from a blend of chickpeas, tomato, roasted red pepper, scallions and cayenne pepper. Served with a side of roasted red pepper hummus. (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

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Next up, and I'm on board... potato boats of a sort.  Located at the Route 6 Roadhouse Chicken.

Deep-fried bites made from a blend of chickpeas, tomato, roasted red pepper, scallions and cayenne pepper. Served with a side of roasted red pepper hummus. (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

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This one just looks like a destructed sandwich.  And it sort of is.  Located at Jammie Sammie's by BRIM.

Local rhubarb jam, thyme-marinated locally sourced tomatoes, farmer cheese, jalapeño and honey served with a side of grilled gluten-free flatbread. (Gluten-Free, Vegan option uses thyme tofu dip and maple syrup instead of cheese and honey.)

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Who doesn't like tator tots?  These are dill pickle tots located at the Tot Boss

Fried tater tots tossed in dill seasoning with a hint of vinegar flavor – like a dill pickle potato chip. (Vegan)

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Little Piggie Wraps.  They just look delicious.  Located Sausage Sister and Me

Three smoked sausage slices wrapped in bacon, filled with a cream cheese mix, and drizzled with barbecue sauce. Topped with a jalapeño slice and served on-a-stick. (Gluten-Friendly)

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Like calamari?  These aren't quite that... but kind of, it's Shroomy Calamari. Located at the French Meadow Bakery and Cafe.

Oyster mushrooms hand-breaded and deep-fried. Served with a side of chipotle sauce. (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

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There are several dessert type options that are new as well, and some fun drinks that I think may appeal more to kids than adults.  I'm talking about some new fun teas.  It's a new vendor to the fair called Loon Lake Iced Teas.  And the big feature this year is a cotton candy tea.

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See all the new foods (there are SO MANY) and the new vendors that will be offered this year at the fair, with a map is located here. 

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