WCCO Viewers' Choice For Best New State Fair Food: Deep-Fried Olives

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (WCCO) - The hit of this year's fair has been a long time in the making, according to Carol and Fred Helmer.

"We've been in the concession business for over 30 years and it's always been our dream to get into the Minnesota State Fair," Carol said.

It took the Helmers 14 years of applying before finally getting admitted into the fair in 2007. So to see their olives turn into such a hit meant the world.

"I just had, you know, a knot in my throat. I was speechless, tears in my eyes because that's what we're here for…to serve the customers and have 'em be happy," she said.

And customers have been very happy. The Fried Fruit On-A-Stick stand has already sold tens-of-thousands of them. They went so fast that they could hardly keep up.

"Our original olive supplier, you know, did run out, so we were scrambling to try and find Queen Green Olives," she said.

Six of the olives get stuffed with cream cheese, which they use a modified caulking gun to fill. Then they go into a batter with a secret blend of seasonings, breadcrumbs and then hit the fryer.

I'm not an olive fan, but these deep-fried ones made me a believer.

If you want to try the Deep Fried Olives, they're just behind WCCO's building near the Grandstand. They cost $6.50.