Welcome to Sunday Reset, where we share how we’re unwinding and what we have planned for the week ahead. This time, our editor, Julia, is reminiscing about state fair eats.
One summer, I lived in Iowa, and to this day, three things still linger on my food-editing mind:
1. Casey’s breakfast pizza (yes, gas station pizza—and yes, you should absolutely try it).
2. Des Moines Farmers Market—hands down the best I’ve ever been to, and the only thing that could get me out of bed early on a Saturday.
3. The Iowa State Fair.
As someone not from the state, I didn’t quite understand just how big the fair was. The office would host themed parties and happy hours to celebrate its kickoff. And of course… the food. Caramel corn, frozen bananas, smashburgers galore.
This week, we’re revisiting all those iconic end-of-summer bites. I can’t help but think back to the foot-long corn dog I had at Hinterland that summer. There’s something about these gatherings that perfectly capture the season—the breeze on a chair swing, the piercing of a straw in a fresh lemonade cup, the hum of energy in the air, and of course, all the food that makes it unforgettable.
Stay tuned for more Test Kitchen recipes this week to recreate these nostalgic favorites. But in the meantime, here’s where to start:
