Ep 15. Funnel Cakes and Fried Fudge

In season 3, episode 15 of Carnival Eats, titled "Funnel Cakes and Fried Fudge," viewers are taken on a culinary journey through some of the most indulgent carnival snacks. Host Noah Cappe visits various fairs and festivals across America to discover the unique flavors and techniques of these delectable treats.

The episode begins with Cappe visiting the Four States Fair in Texarkana, where he tries a new take on the classic funnel cake. At the Funnel Cake Stand, Cappe discovers a twist on the traditional fairground food, as they offer a funnel cake burger with a beef patty and bacon sandwiched between two funnel cakes. He describes the burger as a "sweet and savory overload" and can't wait to see what other creative dishes he'll find throughout the episode.

Next up, Cappe heads to the Eastern Idaho State Fair, known for its famous Idaho spuds. Here, he tries the "spudnut" at the Spudnut Shop, a unique doughnut made with mashed potatoes in the batter. Cappe notes that the spudnut is incredibly light and fluffy, and tastes almost like a cream puff. He also tries the famous "tacho," a combination of tater tots and nachos, covered in chili, cheese, and sour cream.

At the State Fair of Virginia, Cappe stops by the Kettle Corn Cabin, where he tries their signature caramel corn, made with hand-stirred kettle corn and homemade caramel sauce. He also discovers a twist on the classic apple pie at Appleby's Apple Pie, where they serve a deep-fried apple pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Next, Cappe travels to Minnesota to visit the Olmsted County Fair, where he tries a unique spin on fried fudge at Granny's Kitchen Fudge Puppies. At this food stand, they dip creamy squares of fudge into cornbread batter and then deep fry them, creating a crispy exterior with a gooey interior. Cappe describes the dish as a "chocolatey dream come true."

Finally, Cappe visits the State Fair of Texas, known for its over-the-top food creations. Here, he tries the "funnel cake bacon queso burger" at Benavides Nachos and Burger. This burger is comprised of a juicy beef patty topped with bacon, queso cheese, and onion rings, all sandwiched between two funnel cakes. Cappe notes that the sweetness of the funnel cake pairs surprisingly well with the savory ingredients, making for a truly unforgettable dish.

Throughout the episode, Cappe also learns about the history and culture behind the various fairs and festivals he visits, experiencing first-hand the sense of community and tradition that pervades the carnival world.

Overall, "Funnel Cakes and Fried Fudge" is a mouth-watering episode that showcases some of the most indulgent and creative carnival foods across America. With each dish more outrageous than the last, viewers are sure to be left both satisfied and astounded by the creativity and flavor of these unique fairground treats.