Deep-fried Twinkie

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A deep fried twinkie

A deep fried Twinkie is a relatively recent invention, taking the popular Hostess Twinkie cake, freezing it, dipping it into batter and deep frying it to create a variation on the traditional snack cake. According to the Hostess website, Christopher Sell invented the "fried twinkie" at the ChipShop, his restaurant in Brooklyn, New York. According to CNN, the dish was adapted by Chris Mullen, but invented at a "Brooklyn restaurant." The deep-fried Twinkie was a runaway success after Mullen and his brother started selling it at country fairs in mid-August. "We sold 26,000 Twinkies in 18 days," By 2002, the Arkansas State Fair had introduced the fried Twinkie to great popular acclaim, and the notion spread to other state fairs across the U.S., as well as some establishments that specialize in fried foods.

Although variations exist in the form, the deep fried Twinkie is usually prepared with a fish batter, typically consisting of flour, egg and vinegar. Prior to dipping, a wooden or plastic stick is often inserted through one end (to allow the consumer to hold it), and the Twinkie is then frozen overnight to prevent melting while being deep fried. After coating, conventional cooking oil is typically used, although beef suet or tallow is sometimes used to give a "meaty" flavor.

It was described by the New York Times in this way: "Something magical occurs when the pastry hits the hot oil. The creamy white vegetable shortening filling liquefies, impregnating the sponge cake with its luscious vanilla flavor. . . The cake itself softens and warms, nearly melting, contrasting with the crisp, deep-fried crust in a buttery and suave way. The piece de resistance, however, is a ruby-hued berry sauce, adding a tart sophistication to all that airy sugary goodness." [1]

When prepared formally, the deep fried Twinkie is usually topped with powdered sugar and accompanied by a fruit dipping sauce. Raspberry sauce is the most frequently utilized in recipes.

See also

• Deep-fried Mars Bar
• Fried ice cream

Other restaurants serve them with chocolate and caramel sauces swirled fanciful around it, sprinkled with confectioner's sugar and a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

External links

• Hostess Website
• "New junk food fad: Deep-fried Twinkies". CNN. 2002-09-18. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) (attributes creation to Mullens)
• New York Times article about deep fried Twinkies
• Recipe for deep fried Twinkies and raspberry sauce
• Commentary on product, attributing creation to Sells

Now there's a heart attack waiting to happen.