In this episode of Cubs Out Loud, it’s time for another Let’s Talk About Food. It’s that time of year – State Fairs are coming back around. So what does 2026 hold for the cubs? This go round, the guys return to one of their fave states: Wisconsin! Listen in as the cubs take a look at some delectable delights and bubbly beverages hitting a fair near you.
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Let’s Talk About Food: State Fairs ‘26 – Part 1
It’s summer time and once again the STATE FAIRS are coming back around. In 2026, there are new foods to consider as we return to one of our faves, Wisconsin! Wisconsin State Fair: Aug 6-16 ’26 Let’s see which delectable delights we’re willing to pry open our wallets for this time.
First up, DRINKS!
Big Pat’s Pit Stop Punch – a nostalgic party punch made with bright and fruity pineapple juice, fizzy lemon lime soda, and a generous scoop of rainbow sherbet. This delicious and refreshing drink, all dressed up for a day at the races, is sure to rev your engine!
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Sipper – a crisp, refreshing blend of creamy strawberry oat milk, rich chocolate, and Wisconsin honey. Served over ice and garnished with an Olympia Granola Strawberry Chocolate Granola Bar Dipper for an extra snack. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and perfectly chilled for everyone to enjoy at the State Fair!
Circus Peanut Spritz – a beautiful two-toned orange colored blast from the past. The unique circus peanut flavor will evoke great childhood memories once the banana bread syrup and club soda are added and topped with a whimsical whip cream and circus peanut topping.
Hawaiian Pizza Slush – a playful punch of sweet pineapple and savory pizza sauce in an icy, refreshing blend. Garnished with a Canadian bacon wrapped cheese stick and topped with croutons, herbs, and parmesan, this drink mimics the perfect slice in every sip.
Monkey Bread – a cup full of ice-cold Mr. Pibb swirled with butterscotch syrup, cinnamon bun syrup, sweet cream, and piled high with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. It’s like a fresh baked piece of monkey bread melted into a fizzy, creamy soda explosion!
Wisconsinite Slush – beloved real kosher dill pickle juice in an icy, craveable slushie, swirled with zesty Tajin, and topped with Wisconsin staples of two baby dill pickles, a Klement’s beef stick, and creamy mozzarella cheese. Because everything’s better when it’s made in Wisconsin!
Let’s talk about NOMS!
Birria Flamin’ Bombs – a crazy twist on a fan-favorite meal that showcases rich, delicious flavors! These crispy bombs are filled with slow-cooked beef birria, cilantro, onion, and melted mozzarella cheese, then coated in a savory seasoned breadcrumb blend and served with a birria consommé for dipping with a side of creamy chipotle aioli.
Bourbon Deep – Fried Pecan Pie – Bourbon infused Pecan filling in a homemade flakey crust that is fried that’s dusted with brown sugar and served with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
Deep–Fried Horchata Balls – Indulgent, sweet bites dusted in cinnamon sugar, drizzled with rich dulce de leche sauce, chocolate sauce, then topped with mini chocolate chips, toasted coconut and sweet fried plantain chips for the ultimate dessert!
Deep-Fried Ranch – a creamy filling made with ranch seasoning, cream cheese and buttermilk. Coated in a crispy panko shell and deep fried until golden perfection. Topped with a dusting of ranch powder and served with a side of hot honey or ranch for dipping.
French Onion Cheese Pull – inspired by the flavor of classic French onion soup but even cheesier. Bite into a melty Wisconsin cheese center wrapped in a crispy, corn dog with onion infused batter and fried to golden perfection. Finished with a cool, creamy French onion topping and get ready to enjoy a signature cheese pull!
Porky Puff – a golden, flaky puff pastry filled with tender pulled pork, house-made zesty peach filling, layered with creamy garlic and herb cheese for a rich, savory bite. Baked until light and crispy, finished with a drizzle of hot honey, and a sprinkle of mustard seeds, this Puff delivers the perfect balance of sweet heat and tang. Handheld and packed with bold flavor, it’s an easy-to-eat indulgence that hits every note in one irresistible square!
Smoked Pork Pierogi Sliders – buttery pierogi as the bun, stuffed with tender, slow-smoked pork and cheddar cheese and topped with crisp, sweet coleslaw, rich BBQ sauce, and a punchy pickle to create the perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and bold flavors
Wisco Short Rib Corn Dog – a corn dog features a braised short rib and raw milk gouda skewer, hand battered in New Glarus beer corn bread mix and crunchy breadcrumbs, then deep–fried. Topped with a locally produced smoked tomato sauce and honey drizzle for a dish delivered from farms all over the state.
In this episode of Cubs Out Loud, it’s time for another Let’s Talk About Food. It’s that time of year – State Fairs are coming back around. So what does 2025 hold for the cubs? In Part 2, the guys head to Jeff’s home state of Minnesota to dish on some delectable delights. From cheese curds to timber twists, get a taste of the new cravings coming soon to a fair near you.
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Let’s Talk About Food: State Fairs ‘25 – Part 2
It’s that time of year – STATE FAIRS are coming back around. So what does 2025 hold for us? This go round we’re returning to one of our faves, Minnesota! The Minnesota State Fair: Aug 21-Sept 1 ’25 And we’re taking a look at ten tempting tasty treats.
Caprese Curds – Mozzarella cheese curds breaded with Italian seasoning and deep fried. Served over a bruschetta-flavored blend of tomatoes and basil, and drizzled with balsamic glaze. Served with a side of crostini for scooping. (Vegetarian)
Chicken-Fried Bacon Fries – Beef bacon strips double-breaded in tempura flour and fried. Garnished with fresh parsley and served in a cup. Choice of two dipping sauces: Cashville Hot, a brown sugar Nashville-style hot sauce; or 24k Gold BBQ, a passion fruit Charleston gold barbecue sauce.
Flauta Dippers – Seasoned shredded chicken stuffed in rolled corn tortillas and fried. Served in a cup filled with mild tomatillo salsa, sour cream and crumbled cotija cheese.
Grandma Doreen’s Dessert Dog – Vanilla ice cream, created by Minnesota Dairy Lab, sandwiched between two pieces of Grandma Doreen’s Coffee Cake – a family recipe from Elgin, Minn. – made by Wrecktangle Pizza. Skewered on-a-stick and drizzled with house-made strawberry rhubarb jam. Garnished with cinnamon toast-flavored crispy treats, whipped cream and sprinkles. (Vegetarian)
Hot Honey Pizza Ballzz – Three pizza dough balls stuffed with cheese curds, pepperoni, herbs and Parmesan cheese. Brushed with garlic butter and topped with more pepperoni, herbs and Parmesan cheese. Finished with a drizzle of hot honey sauce.
Land of 10,000 Cakes – A Bridgeman’s Marble Sundae of Butter Brittle Ice Cream layered in a cup with a trio of mini Nadia Cupcakes – Creme Brulee, Loaded Pistachio and Chocolate Bliss. Topped with whipped cream and a cherry. (Vegetarian)
Pimento Cheese Puffs – Pimento cheese [a blend of cheddar cheese, mayo and pimento peppers] wrapped in puff pastry and deep fried. Served with a side of pepper jelly. (Vegetarian)
Pot of Gold Potato Dumplings – Cheesy garlic mashed potatoes folded into flaky dumplings, by Twin Cities-based Saturday Dumpling Co., and deep fried. Served with a side of Top the Tater® “The Original” Chive Onion dip. (Vegetarian without dip)
Timber Twists – A savory mixture of Italian sausage, mozzarella, cream cheese and barbecue rub piped into three large manicotti shells, then wrapped in bacon. Cooked in a wood-fired smoker for an infusion of smokey flavor. Served with a side of Giggles’ signature barbecue sauce.
Uncrustaburger – A 4 oz. hamburger patty with cheese, pickles and special sauce, sandwiched between two deep-fried peanut butter & grape jelly Uncrustables®.
HONORABLE MENTION: Ube Butter Banana French Toast Lumpia – Ube Butter Banana French Toast Lumpia puts a twist on a traditional favorite sweet lumpia flavor called Turon. This Filipino-American dessert mashes up deep cultural roots and modern flavor made with caramelized bananas, syrup-soaked French toast, and rich purple ube butter, then deep-fried until golden and dusted with powdered sugar. Delicious for any meal of the day at the State Fair!
In this episode of Cubs Out Loud, it’s time for another Let’s Talk About Food. It’s that time of year – State Fairs are coming back around. So what does 2025 hold for the cubs? This go round, the guys return to one of their fave states: Wisconsin! Listen in as the cubs take a look at a dirty dozen of delectable delights.
Show Topic
Let’s Talk About Food: State Fairs ‘25 – Part 1
It’s that time of year – STATE FAIRS are coming back around. So what does 2025 hold for us? This go round we’re returning to one of our faves, Wisconsin! Wisconsin State Fair: July 31-Aug 10 ’25 And we’re taking a look at a dirty dozen of delectable delights.
Alligator Cajun Mac & Cheese Sundae – Alligator Cajun Mac & Cheese Sundae is your new favorite comfort food, featuring smoky alligator meat layered with creamy Cajun mac and cheese. Served in a waffle bowl and topped with shredded cheese, bacon bits, Cajun sour cream, and a cherry tomato, this dish brings big flavor and State Fair wow factor in every bite!
Banana Cream Pie Slush – The Banana Cream Pie Slush is a nostalgic, fair-ready treat that turns your favorite dessert into a refreshing frozen drink. Velvety banana slush layered with whipped cream and topped with crunchy vanilla cookie crumbles for a perfect pie-in-a-cup vibe. Sweet but balanced, it’s a cool, creamy crowd-pleaser you won’t want to miss.
Brat Rangoon – Brat Rangoon are a crave-worthy fusion of Wisconsin comfort and Asian street food. This unique German-Asian dish features crisp wonton wrappers filled with bratwurst, cream cheese, green onion, and melted cheese, deep-fried, and drizzle with house-made sweet and sour sauce. Topped with Nori Komi Furikake seasoning, these savory bites pack flavors together in every crispy crunch.
Chicken ‘n Waffle Jerky – Chicken N’ Waffle Jerky is a sweet and savory snack that blends comfort food flavor with jerky convenience. Sliced chicken breast is perfectly seasoned then dried with real maple syrup creating a tasty fair snack that hits all the right notes. It’s high protein, low carb, and bursting with flavor in every strip.
Dill Dawg Dorito Bombs – A juicy hot dog stuffed inside a zesty dill pickle, dipped in golden cornbread batter, and fried to crispy perfection!
Hot Diggety Dog – Hot Diggety Dog reimagines the American classic by slicing an all-beef frank into strips, battering, and deep–frying it to crispy perfection. It’s then topped with beer cheese, smoky bacon, tangy Big Sky sauce, and a sprinkle of scallions for a savory flavor explosion.
Irish Onion Rolls – Irish Onion Rolls reinvent the classic onion roll with a rich Irish Stout caramelized onions and a blend of three cheeses plus crispy bacon. Wrapped in a crispy wonton shell and deep-fried to perfection, they come with a side of hearty Irish stout gravy for dipping. This savory snack is a perfect fusion of tradition and bold flavor.
Lumberjack Tots – Tater Tots topped with maple syrup, bacon, and powdered sugar!
Meatloaf and Mash Bomb Pop – Meatloaf & Mash Bomb Pop takes classic homemade meatloaf and wraps it in creamy mashed potatoes, then coats it in seasoned breadcrumbs. Deep-fried on–a–stick and served with a tangy secret sauce, it’s a nostalgic comfort food turned into an on-the-go meal.
Pickle Quesadilla – Pickle Quesadilla is a grilled tortilla filled with melted cheese and tangy pickle slices. Served with a special pickle-infused sour cream, it’s a tangy and savory delight for pickle lovers.
Pretzaroni Pizza Brat – Pretzaroni Pizza Brat is the delicious fusion of a pretzel, a pizza, and a bratwurst. A St. Joe’s Garlic Parmesan brat is wrapped in pretzel dough lined with pepperoni, baked to golden perfection, and finished off with homemade garlic parm topping. Served with a side of marinara, it’s cheesy, meaty, and totally Wisconsin.
Smoked Reuben Parfait – Smoked Reuben Parfait is perfect for enjoying the rich, smoky flavors on the go! This dish layers creamy Swiss mac and cheese with smoked corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing. Topped with crunchy marble rye croutons, it’s a handheld take on the classic Reuben sandwich.
Ube Butter Banana French Toast Lumpia – Ube Butter Banana French Toast Lumpia puts a twist on a traditional favorite sweet lumpia flavor called Turon. This Filipino-American dessert mashes up deep cultural roots and modern flavor made with caramelized bananas, syrup-soaked French toast, and rich purple ube butter, then deep-fried until golden and dusted with powdered sugar. Delicious for any meal of the day at the State Fair!
In this episode of Cubs Out Loud, it’s time for another Let’s Talk About Food. It’s that time of year – State Fairs are coming back around. So what does 2026 hold for the cubs? This go round, the guys return to one of their fave states: Wisconsin! Listen in as the cubs take a look at some delectable delights and bubbly beverages hitting a fair near you.
