State Fair Treat

Each August we head 2 hours south to our state capital, and the Indiana State Fair,  for a day of fun: rides, exhibits, animals, and OH the food! How can you resist a trip down junk food alley w/ all of the yummy smells begging you to try them? I know everyone has their favorites, and we are no exception. Mine? Probably a toss of lemonade shake ups and fried veggies. (Although this year I had a lamb burger and it was DELICIOUS). Adam's is salt water taffy and pork burgers. Alex--well, Alex just loves food, so he's pretty happy w/ everything. Each year there is a new food to try at the fair. This year it was deep fried Kool Aid (which I've heard tastes like a cherry doughnut). But a few years back it was "pigs in mud". Also known as chocolate covered bacon. There were plenty of people that were turning their nose up at the idea but my family was more than willing to try it. For those of us that enjoy sweet and salty together in one bite, it's the perfect harmony of the two. I have pictures of Alex diving into the paper "boat" of 6 slices and he has chocolate everywhere! From his elbows to his ears, and you can just tell he is savoring each bite. Sadly this year, the Pigs in Mud truck was not at our fair. I had one disappointed little boy. Luckily, a 6 years sadness is quickly forgotten w/ a huge bag of cotton candy :) But I promised myself I would give it a try on my own as a first day after school treat. Disclaimer: This is NOT the typical snack I feed my child after school. I just had to say that. This was special to show my Monkey that Mommy missed him, was thinking of him all day, and all the memories we made during our trip to the fair.

Pigs in Mud Chocolate Covered Bacon


12 slices bacon (I used the precooked. It stays flat and makes this quick)
1 c. semi sweet chocolate chips
1 TBS shortening

For the precooked bacon, place on microwave safe plate and cook 5 seconds per slice. I did mine in 2 batches of 6, for 30 seconds each. Drain on paper towels. In a glass bowl, combine chocolate chips and shortening. Cook in microwave or approximately 1-2 minutes until melted. Mine took about a minute and a half. Stir to combine until smooth. With a pastry brush, coat each slice w/ chocolate, on both sides, leaving about an inch at the end to hold.  Place on wax paper and chill until set. Garnish w/ powdered sugar.

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