More than 40 different foods entered the State Fair of Texas' annual Big Tex Choice Awards, but only three can win.
From duck dumplings to fried coffee cake, the 10 finalists for the 17th Big Tex Choice Awards offer a picture of the state — and a little something for everyone's taste buds.
Judges will choose the best savory and the best sweet dish. There will also be an award for the most creative entry.
The tangy selections include fried seafood gumbo balls, crispy crazy corn and the deep fried I-35 — a fried kolache topped with smoked brisket and a Dr. Pepper BBQ glaze.
On the sweeter side, finalists include brisket brittle, Texas pumpkin poke cake and the armadillo — a cookie butter ice cream sandwich.
A panel of celebrity judges will award the best dishes based on on creativity, presentation and taste. The winners will be crowned Aug. 29.
Here's a look at the 10 finalists:
Deep-Fried Halloween, Isaac Rousso
Crispy Crazy Corn, Ruth Hauntz
The Armadillo, James Barrera
Pork Shots, Glen & Sherri Kusak At Hans Mueller
Brisket Brittle, Ruth Hauntz
Lucky Duck Dumplin, Bert Concessions
Fernie’s Fried Toffee Coffee Crunch Cake, Winter Family Concessions
Deep Fried Seafood Gumbo Balls, Gourmet Royale
Texas Pumpkin Poke Cake, Michelle Edwards
Deep Fried I-35, Clint and Gretchen Probst
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Rebekah Morr is KERA's All Things Considered newscaster and producer. She came to KERA from NPR headquarters in Washington, D.C., where she worked as a news assistant at Weekend All Things Considered.