How to Eat a Cream Puff

While brats and beer rank near the top of the list here in the Badger State, there is one other item that Wisconsinites hold near and dear to their heart: The Cream Puff.

Last year alone 372,335 of these oversized confections were sold at the State Fair. A massive building was constructed and outfitted with huge glass windows for the express purpose of showcasing the cream puff making process. Crowds watch with rapt attention as a team of professionals expertly bake, slice, and stuff the finished puffs with an exorbitant amount of whipped cream.

People line up by the hundreds to score six packs, some stocking up for other family members, others buying several six-packs for the office. Cream puffs are serious business. And so is the way they are eaten.

Apparently, there is a very precise method in which these confections must be consumed. Let me break it down for you:

1. Pick up cream puff.

2. Pull halves apart.

3. Rub halves together to distribute cream evenly.

4. Eat one half at a time.

Long time connoisseurs assure me this procedure immensely enhances the cream puff eating experience. But I’m not so sure.

Maybe I’m just biased.

At the risk of being permanently ousted from the state, I have to tell you I’m not a big fan of the flaky, super sweet Wisconsin cream puff, preferring instead, a more traditional European approach.  Still, there are vast sums of people here who (quite vehemently, actually) will tell you I must’ve suffered sun damage or something to harbor this kind of crazy thought. I say check it out for yourself. Who knows, you may very well find your own taste buds whipped into a frenzy by this much-loved Wisconsin State Fair food.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Procure Your Own Cream Puffs August 3-13, 2006 at the Wisconsin State Fair.

Comments

[Jeff]

The Cream Puff at State Fair. Quite possibly the most overrated food in the state, with fried smelt a close second. I find them somewhat bland. Use your money on a corn dog or some of that fried cheese on a stick.

[Erin]

I've lived here my whole life and have never eaten a cream puff. I will get around to it eventually - they don't appeal to me that much, though.

Good post - love the pics! :)

[Tracey]

I agree with you. I am not a fan of the cream puff. It is very overrated. I would rather have the cheese on a stick, the shrimp boil, saz's mozz sticks, elephant ear, baked potato.......